Beloved for generations, the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary captures all the complexities of childhood and presents them with warmth, humor, and an unfailing sense of optimism. Ramona chapter books offer widespread appeal as engaging chapter books for young readers or as read-alouds for the entire family.
Who Is Ramona Quimby?
Ramona Quimby is one of the most memorable characters in children’s literature. She’s an active, energetic, and creative girl who craves a mixture of excitement and stability and struggles with impatience at times. The plots of the Ramona books are timeless. Within the books, you’ll find themes that are perpetually applicable to the lives of children: school, pets, sibling rivalry, and worries, while also promoting the joys of family, friends, holidays, and togetherness.
People often describe Ramona as lively, spirited, and irrepressible. However, she is also sensitive, kind-hearted, and reflective, especially as the series progresses. Regardless of whatever trouble she encounters along the way, deep down she really just wants her family to be happy. Anything else—her father’s lost job, the family’s financial worries, troubles at school—is just an obstacle in the quest for a happy ending. And the most direct route to a happy ending often involves visiting Whopperburger for a plateful of fries.
Take our free Ramona checklist to your local library!
About the Author and Series
Beverly Cleary is, without question, one of the most influential children’s authors of the 20th century. Over the course of her career, she has produced over 30 children’s books. These include Henry Huggins, Ralph S. Mouse (don’t miss our Henry Huggins and Ralph S. Mouse series reviews!), Dear Mr. Henshaw, Mitch and Amy, Ellen Tebbits, and, of course, the beloved eight-book Ramona series. Over the past seven decades, Beverly Cleary’s books have sold over 90 million copies.
Since the first volume was released in the mid-1950s, The Ramona books continue to enjoy perennial popularity. Cleary’s unique understanding of childhood may be why the Ramona books continue to resonate with young readers decade after decade. Impressively, the final book in this series was published in 1999, marking 45 years since the release of the first title. Even more, Cleary was awarded a pair of Newbery Honors for Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8. It’s easy to see why these books are something special in children’s literature!
About the Books
Set in the timeless neighborhood of Klickitat Street in Oregon, the eight books follow Ramona Quimby from age four until age nine, from kindergarten through fourth grade. The cast of characters includes jovial and hardworking Mr. Quimby, serene and comforting Mrs. Quimby, sensible older sister Beezus, and an assortment of neighbors and school friends. Among these include dependably boring Howie Kemp and his attention-seeking little sister, Willa Jean.
The first book in the series, Beezus and Ramona, is a charming introduction to the Quimby sisters. Ramona, age 4, constantly stirs up mischief (and the ensuing humor makes this volume a great choice for reading aloud). Big sister Beezus experiences mixed feelings of love for her sister and exasperation over her antics.
Ramona starts kindergarten in Ramona the Pest. She quickly discovers the delight of learning to read, the beauty of red rain boots, and the importance of following directions. The youngest readers will empathize with Ramona’s feelings and anxieties. Older readers will enjoy the subtle humor when Ramona interprets things too literally.
The eighth book in the series, Ramona Forever, focuses on life changes: the possibility of moving, an aunt’s wedding, the birth of a baby sister, and the death of a pet—topics that many children relate to. Ramona discovers that growing up isn’t always easy. Fortunately, she handles these changes in a positive way as she matures throughout the book.
The Ramona Series at a Glance
Author: Beverly Cleary
Genre: children’s fiction, humor
Interests: family life, friendship, childhood mischief, growing up
Suggested age range: age 8 and up
Gender preference: girls and boys
In the series: 8 books, approximately 200 pages each
Other Books in the Series
Ramona Series Library Checklist
Do your kids need a little extra encouragement to read? Take our Ramona Series checklist to your local library and have your child check off books as he reads them.
Read this sweet thank-you note, “Thanks for everything, Beverly Cleary,” published in the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal in honor of Mrs. Cleary’s 100th birthday (April, 2016).
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