From Beezus and Ramona to Ramona Quimby, Age 8, we were hooked on Beverly Cleary's witty stories. Before hearing the last bell ring, Ms. Chrest would call the class to sit around her rocking chair to listen to her read these scary chapter books that none of us had the confidence or wherewithal to read. Sitting criss-cross-applesauce and having my back scratched by a friend sitting behind me, I would listen to the outrageous stories, laughing at appropriate times. The carpet smelled of a janitorial cleaner mixed with years of first grade sneakers, boogers and paste. After only having a one chapter dose per day, I wanted more, I needed more. I made my mom drive me to the library so I could get my very own Beverly Cleary chapter book to read. Most of the next week was spent reading this "third grader" book, trying my hardest to interpret what the chapters were about and piecing everything together. I may not have fully understood the first few books but for some reason it captivated me. Reading a book from cover to cover and along the way looking at the pages I had already read thinking, "I read all of this!" A simple gratification that still carries with me to this day.
Word Count: 211
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