Ramona

Published between 1955 and 1999, Ramona is the eight-part children’s novel series by American author Beverly Cleary. The humorous series revolves around the character Ramona Quimby, her family, and her friends. The first novel, Beezus and Ramona, was published in 1955. The final book, Ramona’s World, was published in 1999. Two entries in the series were named as Newbery Honor Books, Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby: Age 8. The fifth novel in the series, Ramona and Her Mother, won the National Book Award in 1979. In 1988, a ten-part Canadian television series called Ramona was adapted from the novel series. In 2010, an American feature film of Ramona and Beezus was produced by Twentieth Century Fox. This film starred Joey King as Ramona and Selena Gomez as Beezus.

The first book in the series, Beezus and Ramona (1955), is the only book in the series to be told through the point of view Ramona Quimby’s older sister, Beatrice aka Beezus. The story is centered on nine-year-old Beezus’s difficulty dealing with how she feels about her obnoxious little sister, four-year-old Ramona. As Ramona constantly annoys Beezus with her lofty imagination and overjoyed spirit, her actions become increasingly troublesome. Ramona scrawls across a library book, locks their dog, Ribsy, in the bathroom, and interferes with Beezus’s art class. In the end, however, Beezus realizes that is possible to love Ramona, even when she doesn’t like her sister that much.

Ramona and the Pest (1968) follows Ramona as she begins kindergarten along with her neighbor Howie. Their teacher is Mrs. Binney. As Ramona becomes aware of her reputation as a pesky child, she does her best to be good and follow the rules. However, Ramona can’t always control her mischievous behavior, and one day, she is sent home from school after pulling another girl’s hair. Convinced Mrs. Binney dislikes her, Ramona refuses to return to class until she feels otherwise. Ramona finally returns to class when Mrs. Binney sends her a special letter with the missing tooth Ramona lost on the day she was suspended.



Ramona and the Brave (1975) takes place during the summer following kindergarten. Ramona views herself as fearless, which she is shocked to find nobody agrees with. As Ramona prepares for first grade, major changes are taking place in the Quimby household. An extra bedroom is being tacked on to the house, which Ramona and Beezus will take turns sharing. Meanwhile, Mrs. Quimby begins a part-time job. As she begins learning how to read in first grade, Ramona shows her bravery by sticking up to playground bullies. Ramona also subdues an angry dog she encounters on her way to school. Yet, for all of Ramona’s bravery, she is still afraid to sleep in the new bedroom alone.

Ramona and her Father (1977) finds Ramona in the second grade, dealing with the aftermath of her father, Mr. Quimby, losing his job. Ramona brainstorms ideas to earn extra cash to help around the house, while Mrs. Quimby goes to work full time. Ramona also attempts to help her father quit smoking. At Christmastime, Ramona and Beezus enter the holiday church pageant. Ramona feels neglected when her mother doesn’t have enough time to make a sheep costume for her. As a result, Ramona must wear old pajamas in the pageant. In the end, the sheep win the audience over, and the Quimby family enjoys a pleasant night together.

In Ramona and her Mother (1979), Ramona, still in the second grade, grows jealous of her mother’s relationship with Beezus when they bond over cooking and sewing, etc. Ramona is also upset over being unable to stay home alone when her parents are at work, and tired of staying with Howie Kemp and his family after school. When Mr. and Mrs. Quimby continue arguing at home, Ramona and Beezus begin wondering who will take care of them if their parents get a divorce. Ramona finally realizes that all families argue and that it doesn’t change how much they love each other.



Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981) follows Ramona as she begins taking greater responsibility in her life. Now, in the third grade at a new school, Ramona makes new friends, including Yard Ape, a boy who steals her eraser on the bus. Ramona’s family depends on her to get through school every day on her own, which includes getting along with classmate Willa Jean every day after class. Ramona demonstrates that she can handle these tasks by herself, showing that she is beginning to mature.

In Ramona Forever (1984), Ramona learns that change is unavoidable, but vows to always be herself. Ramona and Beezus convince their parents to allow them to stay home alone for the first time ever. Ramona and Beezus discover their cat, Picky Picky, dead in the basement. After arranging Picky Picky’s funeral, Mr. and Mrs. Quimby decide the girls are responsible enough to look after themselves. Other changes include Mrs. Quimby expecting her third child, as well as Mr. Quimby finishing college with hopes of getting a local teaching position. Aunt Bea and Howie’s uncle, Mr. Hobart, decide to get married. Ramona and Beezus agree to be maids of honor at the wedding. Ramona realizes she is beginning to grow up as Roberta is born.

In Ramona’s World (1999), Ramona is now in the fourth grade and has made a new best friend in Daisy Kidd. Ramona also continues her rivalry with Susan, her nemesis since kindergarten. Mrs. Quimby has become a stay at home mom, looking after baby Roberta. Meanwhile, Beezus is now in high school, making new friends and becoming interested in boys. Ramona tries to set a good example for Roberta. In the end, Ramona is kissed by her mother and told, “ten is the best age of growing up.”