I read Cleary and Blume. Enjoyed both.
For me, politics had nothing to do with it.
I loved both as well ... a good book is a good book - especially if it gets little ones reading (and not staring at a screen that reads for you).
I had no idea that Beverly Cleary was still alive — we have recently lost her and Norton Juster (Phantom Toolbooth). Will there there a third?