Book Description

This wonderful Ramona Box Set, by Beverly Cleary, contains four books: Ramona the Brave, Ramona the Pest, Beezus and Ramona, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

Beezus tries very hard to be patient with her little sister, but four-your-old Ramona has a habit of doing the most unpredictable, annoying, embarrassing things in the world. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona much, and that makes her feel guilty. Sisters are supposed to love each other, but pesky little Ramona doesn't seem very lovable to Beezus right now.

Ramona is off to kindergarten, and it is the greatest day of her life. She loves her teacher, Miss Binney, and she likes a little boy named Davy so much she wants to kiss him. So why does Ramona get in so much trouble? And how does Ramona manage to disrupt the whole class during rest time? Anyone who knows Ramona knows that she never tries to be a pest.

Now that she's six and entering the first grade, Ramona is determined to be brave, but it's not always easy, with a scary new all-by-herself bedroom, her mother's new job, and a new teacher who just doesn't understand how hard Ramona is trying to grow up.

Ramona feels quite grown up taking the bus by herself, helping big sister Beezus make dinner, and trying hard to be nice to pesky Willa Jean after school. Turning eight years old and entering the third grade can do that to a girl. So how can her teacher call her a nuisance? Being a member of the Quimby family in the third grade is harder than Ramona expected.

Reviews (20)

**** Stars!
My mom gave me my first Ramona books when I was a young child and they fueled my desire to read and to continue reading. To this day I am obsessed with books. : ) Thanks to the wonderful Ramona series which got me started reading. I recommend this to young children and to the parents of young children who wish to encourage their children to read and love books.

Beverly Cleary, An author that caught my attention
I am 20 years old now, but I have read almost all of Beverly Cleary's books and enjoyed them all. The first one that I read was Dear Mr. Henshaw and it was read aloud to the class when I was in 3rd grade. I was hooked. I recommend her books to all ages. I have read all the Ramona and Mouse on a Motorcycle series as well as Henry Huggins.

One Small Caution
Excellent books. But be warned: you may have to translate some of the awkward phrases and expressions that seem to pop up throughout Cleary's books. I thought she might be European, until I read her bio today. Expressions like "Gay" (meaning happy) and "Crayoning" (which perplexed my daughter until I explained that in America we call it "Coloring.")Things like that.

Ageless
I read and reread these books to my daughters, and I am delighted to be able to read them to my granddaughters! It is so much fun to snuggle in bed and read Ramona books! Ageless and priceless...

Still a favorite
I read these books as a child, and loved them. Ramona deals with childhood tribulations (fear of going to the principal's office, worrying about her family when her father loses his job, having to play with her friend's little sister whom she detests) that most children experience in some variation, and so a child can identify with her as they read and feel reassured by the fact that they are not the only one who has gone through these things. Also, many of her mischevious adventures are so entertaining and wonderful (for instance, when she makes a "toothpaste cake" in the bathroom sink using the entire tube of toothpaste). Even as an adult, I still find myself reaching for these sometimes to be reassured by an old friend and to re-live a childhood comfort. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona is off to kindergarten, and it's the greatest day of her life. So why is she sitting on the bench while the rest of the students play the game gray duck? Laughs and minor upsets abound in an enormously popular story starring the one and only Ramona Quimby! ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Ramona...a Pest?
Beverly Cleary is the master of creating timeless characters and Ramona Quimby is a timeless character. I read this book when I was a little girl, I fell in love with it, and now I am reading it to my 4 year old son, who begs for a new chapter every night.

Ramona isn't really a pest, but just a curious child, but that leads to all kinds of trouble as she starts kindergarten. Because of her new found troubles she almost decides she doesn't want to be there anymore.

Beverly Cleary really knows how to realate to children. It is simply no wonder that she has surpassed at least two generations with her work as an uncomparable author. She makes you laugh and feel all at the same time.

Excellent for Children of All Ages!
This is a wonderful book! I read it to my class of second graders, as a read aloud every school year. Even though the protagonist in the story is a little kindergarten girl. The "aged" 7 year olds in my class still love it! They seem to really identify with this character... who am I kidding I identify with her too!
Who among us has never felt excited about a shiny new pair of boots... or some other piece of clothing?
Who among us has not felt embarrassed when we mistake a song lyric?
Who among us has not been swept up in the moment wanting to squish, squish, squish in fresh mud?
Ramona, just like you has experienced all this and more. This book in Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, is full of priceless childhood moments. In fact it is not difficult to picture our own selves in all these moments.
Ramona is a priceless kid... and this book is full of priceless moments of childhood reflection.
Adults to Kids should exerience this one. It is well worth your time.

ramona the pest
I think romona the pest is not ok for me.
I don't like it because ramona pull susan's hair.

ramona the pest
I think ramona the pest is a good book because ramona like davy and ramona pulled susan boing boing curls and ramona talks back to her sister and she gets in trouble by her perents and she got stuck in some mud in her new shoes and howie helped her get out of there

Ranona the pest
I think the pest is great I Like It because It Is Funny. My favrite part Is whene Ramona pulled Susan hair and whene she got her mask. She went to school and they had a party. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Second grade is not turning out the way it should for Ramona Quimby.Her dad has lost his job, her mom has found a full-time job, and her big sister Beezus has "reached a difficult age." In her inimitable way, Ramona decides to take charge. She practices TV commercials in hopes of earning a million dollars, but only ends up insulting her teacher and getting into a prickly mess with some burrs. Then she embarks on a campaign to make her father stop smoking. Mr. Quimby manages to hold up under all these strains, but the challenge is on for the whole family to prove their mettle.

Once again, Beverly Cleary proves her own mettle in this touching and hilarious Newbery Honor Book. Beloved author of over two dozen children's books, and recipient of many awards, including another Newbery Honor for Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and a Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, Cleary's instinct for children's jumbled emotions is flawless. Alan Tiegreen's adroit line drawings perfectly complement Cleary's style; it's hard to imagine one without the other. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Review from a 3rd Grader: Don't miss Ramona And Her Father
Wow! This book was amazing and spectacular. I loved it. Some of the parts were sad but it was happy at the end. It was about a little girl in second grade. She lives with her sister Beatrice, her mom, and her dad, and of course Picky-Picky, their cat. The funniest part was when Picky-Picky ate the jack-o-lantern. It was so funny. I love this book. You should read it. It is called Ramona And Her Father.

Beverly Cleary Gets Serious.
Beverly Cleary wrote some of the funniest books ever written for children with her Henry Huggins/Ramona series. However, her Newbery honor winner "Ramona and Her Father" marks the beginning of Mrs. Cleary's decision to include more serious situations into the lives of her characters to go along with their comic adventures. This book revolves around the very unfunny and realistic situation of Ramona's father losing his job. (Undoubtedly, Mrs. Cleary drew upon her own childhood memories of her father's unemployment during the Depression to tell this story.)

Ramona's life is turned upside down by her father's unemployment. Her father is cranky and depressed, her mother tired from overwork, and older sister Beezus, the funloving tomboy of the Henry Huggins books, is now a temperamental teenager. The book chronicles Ramona's attempts to deal with this difficult situation, and results are touching and very often hilarious. Despite its serious subject matter, the book still retains Mrs. Cleary's comic touch. This is one very funny book! The chapter about Ramona's hope of becoming a TV commericial actor, which she believes will end her family's problems, is one of the funniest Mrs. Cleary ever wrote. If I had to pick one book from the entire Henry Huggins/Ramona series "Ramona and Her Father" would be the one. Ramona's experiences with a difficult family situation are told with humor and candor.

Stockard Channing Reads Ramona
Since no one seems to have left a review pertaining to the audio edition, I thought I'd add my 2 cents. Stockard Channing's reading of all the Ramona books is excellent. She puts a lot of emotion into her readings and gives what I consider an almost theatrical performance. It's been 10 years or so since I last listened to one of her readings, and I can still hear her voice in my head when I re-read the Ramona books. Definitely think about buying this set. They're perfect for long car trips or just sitting around the radio at home. :)

Ramona and Her Father
Cleary, B. ( 1975). Ramona and Her Father. New York: Avon Books, Inc.

Synopsis: Ramona is having an average, ordinary day. Ramona, her mother, her sister Beezus, and even her cat are in the kitchen. Ramona is waiting for her father to come home from work. She is writing her Christmas list months in advance and hoping that when her father comes home, they can go to her favorite restaurant since it was pay day. However, everything changes when her father comes home with the bad news that he lost his job. During this time, Ramona also goes on a crusade to help her father quit smoking. Ramona and her family show that although her family is having financial problems, they work together to remain strong for one another. The reading level is 5.1.

Evaluation: The main conflict is between Ramona and her father. At first, Ramona is happy to be able to spend more time with him since he lost his job, but notices changes in him. Now, he is more irritable and this is where the tension occurs. Ramona is also worried about her father's smoking habit and wants to help him quit. Ramona also struggles because she wants to make everything better for her family. Children can definitely relate to this when there is a family problem and they want to help. The dialogue and narration makes the story very realistic. The conflicts are also realistic. The problems that arise from the father losing his job also create realistic situations like the fact that the cat is even being effected by financial stress. The dialogue helps to lighten the seriousness of the conflicts. The dangers of smoking and losing a job are very serious, but the dialogue helps ease the severity. Ramona's character helps to make the story humorous. This is why children have enjoyed Ramona's adventures for so many years.

Beverly Cleary's Best Book
This is my favorite book by Beverly Cleary, and I've read a lot of her books. Cleary is both realistic and funny as she describes the ups and downs in the life of the poor but happy Quimby family. There are so many parts in this book that I love: how the Quimbys make do after Mr. Quimby loses his job; how Ramona tries to make her father stop smoking so that his lungs won't turn black; how Ramona realizes that she can feel good about herself even when everyone around her is cross; and how Ramona learns what a happy family is really like. Beverly Cleary is one of the very best writers I know. She knows that children are more intelligent and mature than adults give them credit for, and she knows the importance of both the family and the individual. Her books are always funny, touching, and memorable, and this one is her best. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From the first day of third grade, when Ramona Quimby meets hereventual nemesis Yard Ape, life moves on at its usual wild pace--usual for the boisterous Ramona, that is. Soon she is accidentally squashing a raw egg into her hair at the school cafeteria, being forced to play Uncle Rat with her annoying young neighbor, and, worst of all, throwing up in her classroom. The responsibilities of an 8-year-old are sometimes daunting, especially in a family that is trying to squeak by while the father goes back to school. But Ramona is full of too much vim and vigor to ever be down for long.

In her second Newbery Honor Book about Ramona (the first was Ramona and Her Father), Beverly Cleary presents another slice of the Quimby family life. Author of more than two dozen children's books, Cleary has a true knack for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind and heart. Empathic, witty, and astute, she has earned many other awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. Alan Tiegreen's clever line drawings have charmed countless readers of Cleary's books over the years, and his style is now inextricably tied to hers. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Fun
A characteristically enjoyable Ramona book. Obviously Beverly Cleary has never forgotten what it's like to be a kid. She's very good at showing that children have feelings and thoughts of their own and how children can be both petty and noble. Also, Cleary never talks down to her young readers, using such words as "reflect" and "apparent," which not all grade-schoolers might be familiar with. I think her books are very aspirational, showing children that they can be more than they are. Ramona, to me, is the embodiment of aspiration, with her creativity, imagination, and talent for self-actualization. When I have children I will have them read all the Ramona books, especially my daughters. I want them to read about girls who are strong and self-reliant. I liked this book because it introduced the character of Yard Ape, who is described as "sturdy" and "smart and lively," the perfect foil to Ramona herself. I must say I didn't see why this book got a Newbery Honor; I enjoyed other books in the series more, like Ramona and Her Mother, and the other Newbery Honor book, Ramona and Her Father. But I still enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend it to readers of all ages.

Ryan S, Age 10 reviews Ramona Quimby, Age 8
This was a great book because it is about a girl and some of the things that happen to her during 3rd grade. Her dad used to be a check out person at the grocery store, now he is going back to college. Her mom works at a doctors office. Her older sister Beezus just started middle school. Money is tight in the Quimby house and Ramona and Beezus try to help out as much as they can. Some bad things happen to Ramona. One day at lunch she cracks an egg against her haed and realizes that it is not hard boiled and it meeses up her hair. The she gets sick and throws up all over her desk at school. The Quimby's car gets sick and needs a new transmission and it costs a lot of money. One rainy Sunday tha Quimbys decide to go to Whopperburger for dinner and a nice old man pays for their dinner. They realize that they may not have money but they sure do have love! Ramona Quimby, AGe 8 is a good book for kids to read becuase a lot of the same things that happen to Ramona could happen to us!

Ramona Quimby Age Eight--Read it!
Ramona Quimby Age Eight

In the book Ramona Quimby Age 8 Beverly Cleary tells the life of Ramona. Ramona is a short brown haired, brown eyed eight year living in the city. In the beginning Ramona had the first day of third grade. After school Ramona had to go to Howie her preschool friend's house to play. Pretty soon she got bored of going to Howie's house. Later, Ramona got an egg dropped on her head in the cafeteria. Ramona also threw up and had to go home. I would recommend this book for ages 7 and up. There is no violence in this book. It really is a great book and the ending is very exciting.

Ramona Quimby
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a great book. The book is about a girl named Ramona, her sister, Beezus, and her mom and dad. Ramona and her sister attend school like any other boy or girl. Ramona has interesting things happen to her at school. Once, she cracked a raw-egg on her head while she was following a school fad. She has an average family and a normal life. Her family isn't rich, but they get along just fine. They fight sometimes, but they work it out. Read the book to find out more about their family and their lives.

Romana is Truly a Character
Although it is easy for many of us to forget what it was like to be little it is obvious that Beverly Cleary has never suffered from this problem. She shows that children have feelings and thoughts of their own. Her skills as an author are also present in the way she regards her younger readers as intelligent individuals while teaching them that they can be more than they are with a little thought and work.

Ramona is creative, imaginative, talented, and of course active just as every other eight year old would be. Not only are her active escapades entertaining, but so are her thought processes. Watch and enjoy as Ramona strugles to keep happy in some very potentialy traumatic times. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona Quimby is the youngest of all the famous characters in Mrs. Cleary's wonderful Henry Huggins stories. She is also far and away the most deadly. Readers of the earlier books will remember that Ramona has always been a menace to Beezus, her older sister, to Henry, and to his dog Ribsy. It is not that Ramona deliberately sets out to make trouble for other people. She simply has more imagination than is healthy for any one person.

In this book Ramona and her imagination really come into their own. Starting with a fairly mild encounter with the librarian, which is harder on Beezus than anyone else, Ramona goes from strength to strength, winding up by inviting her entire kindergarten class to a part at her home without mentioning it to her mother. The riot that ensues is probably the most hilarious episode in this extremely funny book, which proves that Mrs. Cleary's imagination is almost as lively as Ramona's.

Reviews (32)

A funny sister story with a message
I have two younger sisters and I know the kind of trouble they can cause and how exasperating they can be. When I first read this book, I was in third grade. I'm 22 now, and I have read the book at least 20 times since then. Beverly Cleary's book tend to contain such true-to-life values that they remain timeless.
Beezus is the older sister, the responsible and smart one. Ramona is the precocious little sister, creative but messy, cute but needy. Beezus struggles with being nice and trying to entertain Ramona and trying to be firm with her at the same time. There are some great little stories in this book about Ramona's misadventures including her unwavering love for a certain picture book, her locking Henry Huggins' dog in the bathroom, and her deciding that she wants to throw a party for herself without asking her mother. Things finally come to a head at Beezus' birthday party. When attention-starved Ramona gets a little too obnoxious, she shamefully admits that she just doesn't love her little sister all the time.
Herein lies the lesson: Beezus' mother explains that Beezus is not expected to love Ramona all the time, that Ramona will do things that get on her nerves sometimes. But there will also be good times when the two will get along, work together, or share a laugh. And those are the moments that count in the sisterly bond. I have stuck to this mantra when trying to deal with my own two younger sisters so I don't go completely insane.
This is a great book for little girls who have sisters so that one may understand the other's point of view. It helps you take a great look at your own sibling relationships, or it will at least show you that your own younger sister is not NEARLY as bratty as Ramona. :)

Funny and wise.
I read my daughter Beverly Cleary's Ramona the Pest last year, when she was in kindergarten (because in that book Ramona is also a kindergartner) and she instantly pronounced it her favorite chapter book of all time.

We've since been reading all the Ramona books, but we skipped this one for awhile. It's the first in the series, and takes place when Ramona is four years old. I knew from reviews that if focused more on Ramona's older, more serious sister, Beezus, and wasn't a "real" Ramona Quimby book. I somehow thought it would not be as funny as the others.

I was wrong. Ramona is even more exuberant in this book than in any of the others we've read, and her antics are hilarious. Seeing everything through the eyes of her serious sister does not make it one bit less funny.

But this is not just a funny book. It deals gently and honestly with the difficulty Beezus has in loving her sometimes exasperating little sister. Beezus and Ramona is more than forty years old, but I donÕt think anyone has ever come close to Beverly Cleary's ability to capture and sympathize with children's feelings. Cleary brings everything around to a happy, but entirely believable ending in this warm, wise book.

My daughter says this is her second favorite Ramona book (after Ramona the Pest), but so far it's my very favorite.

Wow, What a litter sister!
The book, Beezus and Ramona is great. Read it now. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate it an 8 because big kids, like Beezus, should know that little kids can pests. Little kids, like Ramona, can do naughty things. Little kids should learn from their mistakes. It may take a few times, but one day they will learn.
Ramona is one crazy girl. She does pretty silly and extreme things. She is always causing trouble. My favorite character is Beezus because she is more civilized than Ramona. Beezus doesn't do things that could get her into trouble. Although Beezus is my favorite character, my favorite part is when Ramona breaks the eggs. I thought that was pretty funny. My other favorite part is when Beezus reads 202 Things to Do On a Rainy Afternoon.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a younger brother or sister.
(...)

A Childhood Treasure About Sisterly Love
This was one of my very first chapter books, given to me in the first grade, and it left such a lasting impression on me. I literally read it to pieces throughout my elementary school years, and even had two little dolls that I re-named Beezus and Ramona, who I used to act out many of the stories.

Each hilarious chapter about another mess Ramona causes for her big sister Beezus (my favorite was Ramona's first trip to the library, and her disastrous attempt to claim a beloved book for her very own) can stand on it's own. But connecting the different segments is a more complex running plotline about Beezus' horrible secret - sometimes she gets so mad at her little sister that she doesn't love her at all! Oh, the horror! :-)

After suffering through one embarrassing misadventure after another at the hands of her infuriating sister, Beezus finally confesses to her mother and her favorite aunt about the "wicked" thoughts she's had about Ramona. Expecting them to be shocked, she is stunned when both burst out laughing and begin reminiscing about their own childhood, when they had some not so loving moments themselves. Yes, even Mother and Aunt Beatrice, who are now the best of friends, experienced sibling rivalry. It's a tremendous relief to Beezus to learn that it's okay not to get along with Ramona all the time, and she realizes that along with the annoying times, she and her sister share plenty of affectionate moments as well.

Originally published in the 1950s, some things are obviously rather dated, but as a child of the 1970's I could completely relate to these two little girls. I am sure kids today can also, especially if they have younger sisters!

Ah, Sisterhood
Poor Beezus. This story is mainly focused about her, and how her little sister, Ramona is always messing everything up for her. Beverly Cleary does a wonderful job of describing how horrible little sisters can be. Beezus feels like a terrible person because there are times when she doesn't love Ramona, but is reassured when she finds out that sisters don't have to love each other all the time. This book is a great read for children (especially those with siblings.) ... Read more

Amazon.com

At 7 and a half, with working parents and a sister at "a difficult age," Ramona Quimby tries hard to do her part to keep family peace. Usually, however, she ends up behind every uproarious incident in the house. Whether she's dying herself blue, watching while her young neighbor flings Kleenex around the house, or wearing her soft new pajamas to school one day (under her clothes, of course), Ramona's life is never dull. Through it all, she is struggling for a place in her mother's heart, worried that she might be unlovable. Not a chance. Ramona Quimby is nothing if not lovable.

Beverly Cleary's gift for understanding the tangle of thoughts and emotions in a child's mind and heart is remarkable. Luckily, in addition to being empathic, witty, and astute, Cleary is also prolific. She has created over two dozen children's books, and been presented with many awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and for Ramona Quimby, Age 8. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

this is a very good book!!
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

"Ramona and Her Mother"
Are you a mama's girl or daddy's boy who wonders how others get along with THEIR parents? Do you ever wonder how kids could be so close to their parents when you can't stand yours? All of these questions could be answered by reading the book, "Ramona and Her Mother", by Beverly Cleary. The book is about a young girl named Ramona who has two very hard working parents. Although Ramona knows her parents work hard to support their family, there are times where she feels left out. She sometimes thinks that her parents pay more attention to her sister Beezus and ramona feels she should get the most attention because she's the baby in the family. Ramona wishes that one day her mom could just stay home from work and spend time with her. She also wishes peopple would tell her she's a mama's girl just like they tell her friend. Cleary has written many books including, "Ramona the Brave," "Ramona Quimby, Age 8," "Socks," and other books that young readers have been attracted to. her writing, though, can be for anybody to read. it is very easy to make connections with this book, but you have to think each scene out throughly and think about its actual meaning or purpose. Beverly clery's books remind me of Ann M. Martin, a populare author of "The Babysitters Club" series. they both show great meaning when conducting a scene. So, if you ever wonder about things that relate to you and your parents, this is the book for you

this is a very very funny, fun, and good book
The book Ramona and Her Mother was a very funy book. This book is about a little girl convincing herself that nobody likes her. One of the most intresting things this book is all the problems that the Quimby family goes through. One problem is that the parents got into an argument and Ramona and Beezus , Ramona's older sister, thinks that thier parents were going to split up. Ramona gets so angry at her parents that she says that she is going to run away. So Ramona's mother comes in and says " Do you want me to help you pack?". well these are not the words Ramona expected to hear her mother say so she said "yes." Her mother told her to pack all sorts of things. When Ramona was all finished packing the bag was way to heavy for her.So she burst out in tears and told her mom she wanted to stay. I believe that this was a very good book and i encourage people to read it. So read the book and find out more about Ramona.

Ramona and her Mother
I think Beverly Cleary is a great author. I think Ramona and Her Mother is one of her best books yet! This book is about a little girl who is a challenge to her mother because she does silly and meaningless things when she doesn't get her way. She learns how to get things she needs on her own. If you like to laugh a lot, you'll love this book! Ramona is very weird and annoying. She has temper tantrums when she doesn't get her way. Ramona reminds me of my little brother because they're both really weird and annoying! My favorite parts are when Ramona squirts out a whole tube of toothpaste and when Howie and Ramona get covered in ink! I love this book!

Very good!
In this book Ramona seems to be more agreeable than Beezus, unlike previous Ramona stories - probably because Beezus is becoming a teenager. One of the funniest parts is when Beezus insists on getting a haircut at a beauty school on the other end of Portland - they get off at the wrong exit and can't find their way back to the freeway - I made the same mistake in Portland in real life, so that screwy exit DOES exist! ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona's father has lost his job, and there's a grumpy mood in the Quimby household. Ramona just wants everyone to get along, but it's hard when her mother is worried all the time, her father is grouchy, and Beezus is just ... Beezus.

Ramona always tries to do the right thing ... so why does everything turn out so wrong? At seven and a half years old (for now), she's worried about spelling and about Willa Jean getting all the attention. Most of all, she's worried that her mother may not love her anymore.

It is a time of change for Ramona and her family. Aunt Beatrice is getting married, Ramona's father is looking for a new teaching job, and Ramona's mother suddenly seems a little thicker around the middle. Amid all the chaos, Ramona must say good-bye to one family member and hello to a new one.

Ramona can't wait for school to start -- she's sure fourth grade will be the best year of her life. With a new baby sister, a new best friend, Daisy, and some glorious new calluses on her hands from the rings in the park, Ramona is on top of the world!

Amazon.com

Teenagers think they've got it rough. Try being a misunderstood6-year-old! Ramona Quimby is bound and determined to be brave as she weathers first grade, her mom's return to work, and sleeping in the spooky dark all alone. But nothing seems to go her way this year. From a fierce dog on the sidewalk to a copycat in her classroom, Ramona has her hands full.

Beverly Cleary has a real knack for the subtle emotional complexities of young children. Never condescending, she sees children as real people with real feelings. For this, and for her hilarious tales of an imaginative and "spunky gal," Cleary's countless fans adore her. Winner of many awards, including the Newbery Medal, Cleary has written over two dozen books for young people. Two titles in her beloved Ramona series, Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8, were named Newbery Honor Books. Alan Tiegreen's witty and lively line drawings have graced many of Cleary's books over the decades, capturing the exuberant spirit of one of literature's favorite heroines. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Ramona Is Sweet And Believable, With Plenty Of Funny Moments
Ramona is a truly realistic character that is brought to life by the believable writing of Beverly Cleary.
Still trying to grow up as she proceeds into grade one, Ramona can't help but continue to fall into trouble.
One entertaining, true-to-life moment after another... Reading about Ramona's antics is very enjoyable.
From being embarassed by her older sister, to being embarrassed by her friend Howie in front of her class, to dealing with Copycat Susan and her copied owl, and many, many more funny and frusturating things... You'll have fun reading this book. And you can't say that for a lot of books.
Told in a way that you can really understand this first grader, Ramona The Brave will remind you of when you were a child. And what it felt like.
Readers will pity Ramona when she's upset, they'll understand what she does and why. They'll feel her anger, and her happiness.
Definetly a great book, and definetly worthy of 5 or more stars!
Enjoy!

Ramona is not average even when she is average....
Ramona is a fun loving young one, who does nothing but pester her sister. It is never her goal to do so, it just happens. Although she is now in first grade this still hasn't changed too much.

Ramona now attends the same school as her sister Beezus, and now that shes there she is let down. It isn't what she expected, in fact, it doesn't seem to be any fun at all.

Ms. Cleary's Ramona books are a fun read full of humor, but she never neglects to address the problems that really face school age children. As a child reading these books I remember that it helped put things into perspective for me, although at the time that probably wasn't the word I used.

I would recommend this book to all children, and even to adults with children.

Its a tough life for first graders
I have saved this book to read to my 6 year old who just started going to first grade. As a grownup I liked the way the author deals with real life problems that even adults are not always sure how to handle.

Spunky Little Ramona
Ramona is a little girl who is in 1st grade. She gets into trouble a few times in 1st grade. Mrs.Griggs, Ramona's teacher is not one of her favorite teachers because she is kind of mean to Ramona. The worst part of Ramona's day was losing a shoe because she threw it at a dog. Ramona is also a spunky silly girl who likes to do bad things.

I hope you will enjoy this book. Have fun reading it!

Brave little Ramona
Picking up right where she left off, my favorite little girl has just started first grade. The hole cut into her house to add a new room for her where she must sleep all alone is a source of fear, and also bravery for the adorable star. Being constantly misunderstood is a great challenge for the 6 (going on 37) year old Ramona. Ramona is just like any other child. She gets confused and throws fits. She is such a loveable character because a most wonderful author creates her so deftly and realistically.

The text is appropriate for students in grades 3-6. It also works well in a read-aloud setting with this age group. These students (and teachers and parents as well) will get a kick out of remembering how scary starting school can be. I recall hearing it read to me in 2nd grade and now have done the same with my students. A good laugh was heard everyday from our room.

Why 5 stars?:
Cleary repeatedly made young people reflect upon their own days as an even younger person with a string of books about experiencing the world through the eyes of a curious little girl with a will all of her own. This book is the third in the series and was written in the 1970s. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Misunderstandings abound in Ramona Quimby's life. Even at the ripe oldage of 8, she continues to find herself in trouble when she least expects it. It's a time of many changes: Ramona's friend Howie's rich uncle comes to visit from Saudi Arabia, her mother seems suspiciously fatter, and Aunt Beatrice begins dating a mystery man. It's more important than ever for Ramona and her big sister Beezus to be good, but there are so many opportunities to mess up!

Beverly Cleary has somehow managed to remember the intricate workings of a young girl's mind and heart. With several dozen children's books and many awards under her belt, she is one of America's most beloved authors. Winner of the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Cleary balances raucously funny childhood adventures with poignantly real circumstances and emotions. Alan Tiegreen's clever line drawings have faithfully accompanied many of Cleary's books over the years.(Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Compare and Contrast Ramona and Beatrice
We are the students of Mrs. Chaya's Fourth Grade Class, and we would like to say that we enjoyed the book tremendously. We compared and contrasted Ramona and her sister, Beatrice, and we realized that as Ramona is growing up, differences with her sister are lessening. Both are finding more in common, such as sharing the loss of Picky-Picky,disliking Uncle Hobart, and worrying about their mother. Being together after school allowed the girls to work out their differences such as the name-calling episode where Ramona calls Beazus , PizzaFace!!! This misunderstanding happens close to the time of the cat's death but also serves as a stressbuster for both. The sisters come to realize they really do care about one another. Being in a wedding together also makes everyong realize that the girls are growing up and on the way to being lifelong friends. A new baby sister is born giving the girls another reason to be united.

The most heartfelt of the Ramona series
Beverly Cleary has always had a grasp on family dynamics when writing her beloved children's books. In this installment, Ramona Quimby and company face major changes. They include the kinds of situations that are commonplace in many households today (and will probably still be common in the future): getting along with siblings, life/death, friendship, financial problems, etc. All of these issues are seen from a child's point of view, making the story poignant but not quite as heavy as adult or teenage drama.
In all of these books, Ramona is the little girl with the big imagination who would do anything to make sure her family is happy and stays together. Here, she continues to grow and learn. And readers can certainly relate to her, whether she's in confusion or triumph. A child can learn from Ramona's adventures whereas an adult can reflect on their own childhoods and remember when they could be innocent and wide-eyed.
I thought this book would be the last in the Ramona series, not because Beverly Cleary took so long to write the next one (called "Ramona's World"), but because I felt some sort of resolution with this book. If Mrs. Cleary had never written another book about Ramona, I would probably have been satisfied with this conclusion. But Ramona still has room to grow, so I'll happily be along for the ride.

The Best book ever!!!!!
Romona Forever is the best book ever. I read all the Romona books when I was eight. Some of them I remember kind of but some of them I can remember SO well I could tell you right this second what the books about. This book was one of them. I'm Nine and almost ten now and I still think Romona is very good. I like Romona forever just as much as the Harry Potter 5 and all the rest. maybe I like Romona forever better!!

Ramona Forever
I like Ramona Forever Because she is funny.
My favorit part was when she said "Here Comes The Briride Fare Fat And Wide Here Comes The Croom Sciny As A Broom Here Comes The Usher The Old ToletFlusher.
I don't think it could be better.
I read it because it was an assiment.

R.W

probably my favorite Ramona book
How could anything be more fun than a rich, quirky, annoying uncle, a spur-of-the-moment wedding, a new baby, and a dead cat? Maybe getting the door slammed in your face for comparing your sister's face to pizza! Or falling off your friend's bike in front of a bunch of superiority-driven boys!

Or maybe reading a good book like this one on a sunny day. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona Quimby is sure fourth grade will be "the best year of her life, so far." She can show off her calluses from swinging on the rings in the park, sit across the aisle from the boy she calls Yard Ape, and enjoy her cheerful new teacher, Mrs. Meacham. Most exciting of all, Ramona has a new best friend, Daisy.

Fourth grade doesn't turn out quite the way Ramona has hoped. Mrs. Meacham wants her to improve her spelling. Ramona also must be a good role model for her baby sister, Roberta. And Mrs. Quimby wants her to spend more time with, the super-perfect Susan. Fourth-grade life isn't always easy, but it's full of adventure, and at the end of it all- a "zeroteenth" birthday to celebrate!

01 AZ Young Reader Award Masterlist (Intermed. cat.), 01 Colorado Children's Book Award (Jr. Novel Cat.), 00-01 Young Reader's Choice Award Program Masterlist, and 00-01 Keystone to Reading Book Award Masterlist

00 Children's Choices (IRA/CBC)

Reviews (46)

Great to be back
Count me amongst the Gen Xers who inhaled these books when we were young! I remembered Cleary stating that "Ramona Forever" would be the last of the series, so imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the Beverly Cleary website and found that there was a new book I hadn't read.

For the most part, I was satisfied. What felt good was seeing someone FINALLY understand and empathize with Ramona. Usually it seemed as though she was the oddball, the wild mess amongst neater, quieter kids like Susan and Howie, someone who caught the disapproving eye of grown-ups on a regular basis. But in this book, not only does she finally get a laid back best friend with an even more laid back family, but she comes out looking good compared to Susan. That may be one reason other readers find it more difficult to empathize with her -- because Ramona's point of view no longer seems so unusual.

I agree that something felt off, and part of it had to do with the rather cardboard presentations of Mr. and Mrs. Quimby. In a modern twist, Mrs. Quimby belongs to a book club... but whatever happened to her dilemma about taking time off of work to care for the baby? The loveable Mr. Quimby is barely there -- all I recall is his joking statement to Beezus that he was surprised she didn't get her nose pierced, too. What happened to his management position at the frozen food wearhouse? How does he feel about not getting to teach art classes? To fit in information about every character, it almost seems as though the book would have had to be twice as long.

Some updating was inevitable, but I'm thankful Cleary never actually had Beezus and Ramona surfing the Internet. Beezus's dilemma about getting her ears pierced, though, felt quite retro in this day of "anything goes" piercing.

My hope is that Cleary might squeeze out a few more books in the series. I would love to see Ramona's reaction to Beezus driving.

Another Delightful Excursion Into Childhood!
Cleary does a wonderful job of portraying 9 year-old Ramona's character by showing, for example, how excited Ramona was to start 4th grade. Ramona was at the bus stop early, and the author says something like: "Ramona was always early. Something might happen that she wouldn't want to miss." What a great summary of the character's exuberant personality!

Childhood comes flooding back reading Ms. Cleary. I forgot how something like a baby sister is such a huge event, you can't wait to tell EVERYONE - the whole WORLD must know this! I forgot how you have a sort of crush on someone and you don't want anyone to know - not even your best friend. I forgot how kids jump to the craziest conclusions! After Ramona has an accident involving her best friends attic ceiling (well, she darn near falls through it!) she cries and cries. Not so much because the scratches and bumps hurt, but because now she can't come play with Daisy any more and she no longer has a best friend! Poor Ramona automatically assumed her friend's mom would no longer want her around. But you can certainly see a child thinking like this.

I still have a lot of Cleary to discover, and I plan to keep reading!

Lawn Monkey
Ramona's World by: Beverly Cleary is a very good book! Ramona is eight years old and thinks that her fourth grade year is going to be GREAT!!! Once she meets her teacher and figures out that she has the kind of teacher that is TERRIFIC at spelling, she thinks the very opposite! Now she thinks that she pretty much knows it's going to be a not so GREAT year for her. She has no friends except the dorky guy next door named "Howie". Then she meets her new best friend Daisy! Daisy and Ramona teach each other alot! Daisy teaches Ramona about school and how to spell. Ramona helps out Daisy by showing her around her new school. Ramona finally figures out that her fourth grade year isn't too bad after all. She gets a valentine from the guy that she likes alot named "yard ape" and she meets her new best friend. She also finds out that her teacher Mrs. Meacham doesn't hate her after all and that she can spell. I liked this book alot because it is about normal kids and what it is like growing up. Ramona gets herself into some situations that every kid can relate to. She's a "goofy" everyday girl that likes to have fun with her classmates. I would recommend this book to other kids my age because it's funny. It is a good read!

Ramona's World
Ramona's World is one of Beverly Cleary's best Ramona books. Ramona is just a regular girl growing up. She is in 4th grade in this book and she has some trouble with kids but in the end she figures them out. I think that Ramona is just like some of the girls I knew in 4th grade. She's even kind of like me! I also think that Ramona is a role model to some people. This book is very easy to read and I would reccomend it to anyone.

Ramona's World
I recommend this book for 4th and 5th. Have you been stuck in the middle? The baby gets everthing? The oldest gets to do everthing? Well then this is the book for you' by Beverly Cleart Ramona's World! Ramona's sister gets her ears pierced and Ramona is like well what if i got my ears pierced what would they think? Her little sister gets everthing and when she cry's her mom gets her and Ramona has to get her she hates it! I really like thiis book and if you are stuck in the middle all the time you should read this ! ... Read more

Book Description

Por fin llega el tan esperado primer dia de clases de Ramona. Ahora podrÁ hacer las mismas cosas que su hermana Beezus y sus amigos.

Los lectores la acompaÑaran en sus alegrias y tristezas, en sus occurrencias y sus travesuras, sus miedos y sus fantasÍas. CompartirÁn la caÍda del primer diente, la primera vergÜenza, las primeras letras...

Reviews (1)

Remembering my youth
Ramona reminded me of myself when I was a little girl. She does things that most kids only think of doing because they are afraid to get into trouble. I love the reality aspect that Beverly Cleary brings to the story. Not only does Ramona LA Chinche take me back in time, it allows future generations of kids to see that they aren't the only ones to think up some of the crazy stunts that Ramona pulls off. This story is a hilarious page turner from the very beginning! I'd recommend it to any school teacher and, of course, all students. What a great read! ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona Quimby, uno de los personajes mÁs queridos de la literatura infantil, empieza el tercer grado con una maestra nueva que los llama "chices". Nuestra incontrolable heroÍna se enfrenta a un reto tras otro, desde lavarse la cabeza con huevos, hasta vomitar delante de toda la clase, cuando trata de demostrarle a la seÑora Ballenay que ella no es una "superfastidiosa".

Book Description

Ramona Quimby, uno de los personajes más queridos de la literatura infantil, siente que verdaderamente nadie la quiere. ¿Por qué será que su madre no tiene tiempo para darse cuenta de que su hija de siete años y medio se comporta como una persona mayor?...bueno por lo menos cuando no se halla ocupada exprimiendo el tubo de pasta dentífrica o cuando va a la escuela en pijama. ... Read more

Book Description

Ramona helps guide her fans through the year with this perfect beginning diary. Filled with funny quotes and illustrations from all the Ramona books, it includes stickers, easy-to-fill-in sections, room for photos and drawings, and even a secret code. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE BEST!
I had one of these journals when I was a little girl. Being an avid fan of Beverly Cleary and Ramona Quimby, my mom bought me one and I LOVED it. Actually, when I filled one of them up I begged her to get me another! It is filled with blank pages and also quotes from the Ramona books that help a young girl think about things to write about. It was a great first journal for me and I plan to buy one for each of my two neices (I might buy an extra for myself!) Two thumbs up for this one! ... Read more