Beverly Atlee Cleary is an American writer of children's and young adult fiction who was born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville. She turned 102 today.
As one of America's most successful living authors, 91 million copies of Cleary's books have been sold worldwide since her first book got published in 1950. Some of her best-known characters in her books are Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy, Ramona Quimby and Beezus Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse.
Most of Cleary's books are set in Northeast Portland's Grant Park neighborhood, where she was raised and they were based on her childhood experiences, the kids in her neighborhood while she was growing up and the children she met while she worked as a children's librarian.
Among many of her achievements, Cleary won the 1981 National Book Award for "Ramona and Her Mother," and the 1984 Newbery Medal for "Dear Mr. Henshaw."
To celebrate Cleary's 102nd birthday, I prepared the following birthday curiosities in her honor:
• Cleary's 102nd birthday, April 12, 2018, is special because it coincides with the 102nd day of this year. Moreover, 102 equals twice 51 where 51 equals the sum of the numbers assigned to the letters of Cleary's birth last name, Bunn.
• Additionally, if Cleary's birthday 4/12/1916 is split as 412 and 1916, 412 equals four times 103 and coincidentally, Cleary was born on the 103rd day of 1916. This means Cleary's 103rd birthday next year will be special too.
• Lastly, if 4/12/1916 is split as 4, 12, 19, and 16, twice the sum of these four numbers equals 102.
Thanks for your contributions to children's literature Cleary and I wish you a happy and healthy 102nd birthday.
Aziz Inan is a professor of electrical engineering teaching at University of Portland and he can be reached at ainan@up.edu.
