Beezus and Ramona

Beezus and Ramona. By Beverly Cleary. Illustrated by Tracy Dockray. Harper Collins, 1955. 160 pages. Tr. $16.99 ISBN 978-0688210762

Summary: It seems that whatever Beatrice Quimby does, she cannot get away from her annoying little sister, Ramona. Ramona follows her big sister to the library and art class, and wreaks havoc at home by butting into chess games. Whatever can Beatrice do to rid herself of her pesky sister? Or is she simply stuck with her?

Critical Review: Although more than fifty-years old, this story continues to enchant all those who suffer from an annoying little brother or sister. In the end of the story, Beatrice realizes that her feelings towards Ramona are normal, and grows to love her little sister. Her Aunt Beatrice explains that, as a young girl, she also nurtured similar feelings towards her younger sister (i.e. Beatrice’s mother), but that these feelings didn’t prevent her from developing a warm-relationship later in life.

Genre: Friendship; Humor; Realistic Fiction 

Series: The Ramona Collection

Reading/Interest Level: 8-12 years

Author Website: http://www.beverlycleary.com/

Similar Materials: The following books in the Ramona Collection: Ramona and Her Father; Ramona and Her Mother; Ramona Forever; Ramona Quimby, Age 8; Ramona the Brave; Ramona the Pest; Ramona’s World

Subject/Themes: Imagination; Friendship; Sisters; Family life

Character Names: Beatrice Quimby (aka Beezus) and Ramona Quimby; Mr. and Mrs. Quimby; Aunt Beatrice; Henry Huggins; Ribsy

Brief Annotation: Nine-year old Beezus deals with her pesky little sister, Ramona, in Beverly Cleary’s classic novel for tweens.

Booktalking Ideas: I would pair the novel with the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493949/) and ask students to compare/contrast the two. Beezus and Ramona can be used to discuss family experiences, especially having a younger brother or sister. Tweens can contribute whether Beezus’s trials mesh with their experiences, and can receive/exchange advice on how to deal with difficult younger siblings.