Just Like Beverly
A Biography of Beverly Cleary
by Vicki Conrad
Sasquatch Books 2019
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.5 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- love of reading
- writing and storytelling
- following your dreams
- self-confidence
- overcoming obstacles
- creativity
- mentors and teachers
About this book
This picture book biography follows Beverly Cleary from her childhood in Oregon, where reading didn’t come easily, to her dream of writing stories kids could see themselves in. With warm, engaging text and lively illustrations, it shows how perseverance, curiosity, and a love of books shaped a future beloved author. It’s a great choice for classroom read‑alouds and for young readers who enjoy true stories about famous creators. Kids will be inspired by Beverly’s determination and the way librarians, teachers, and family helped along the way.
Setting: Oregon (Yamhill and Portland) and later California, early to mid-1900s
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Just Like Beverly right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Just Like Beverly. The reading level is AR 4.5, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, love of reading, writing and storytelling.
How long does it take to read Just Like Beverly?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Just Like Beverly takes around 11m to finish. The book has 1,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Just Like Beverly have an AR quiz?
Yes — Just Like Beverly has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Just Like Beverly?
Just Like Beverly has an AR reading level of 4.5, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.