Ramona Quimby, Age 8. By Beverly Cleary. Illustrated by Tracy Dockray. Harper Collins, 1981. 208 pages. Tr. $16.99 ISBN 978-0-688-00477-4
Summary: The sixth book in the Ramona Quimby Collection, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, follows Ramona as she embarks upon the third grade. Ramona is excited to be starting at a new school, and to be among the oldest students. It is also special for Ramona to be apart from her older sister, Beezus, who is starting middle school. However, Ramona’s school year doesn’t work out exactly as planned. She hits a raw egg against her head during lunch, and becomes the school laughing stock. Danny, a classmate, steals her eraser and is a perpetual menace throughout the school year. Family troubles also cause some tension, and Ramona’s feelings towards her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Whaley, are mixed.
Critical Review: The accompanying pictures and large text make this a novel that some tween readers will cherish. This warm-family tale ends with Ramona and her family being bought dinner by a total stranger, who decides that they are the epitome of a wonderful family. Tweens understand that nothing is perfect, but that warm, loving families will always be able to weather hardship by binding together. Ramona is forced to make some sacrifices. Her family depends on her to cheerfully acquiesce with four-year-old Willa Jean’s every plan, so that Mrs. Kemp will continue to babysit Ramona while her mother works. As an avid reader, Ramona especially covets Sustained Silent Reading time, however, her feelings towards her teacher dramatically alters when she hears Mrs. Whaley call her a troublemaker and “show-off”. Not wanting to cause extra trouble for her teacher, Ramona throws up during class, and feels especially sorry for herself. Time at home helps, however, and Ramona returns to school feeling confident and rejuvenated. Ramona’s courage, integrity, humor, and positive nature are assets that other tween girls will want to emulate.
Genre: Realistic Fiction; Humor
Reading/Interest Level: 8-12 years
Awards: Nominated for the Newbery Award, 1982
Reviews: Booklist (December 15, 1989)
Series: Ramona Quimby Collection
Similar Materials: The following books in the Ramona Collection: Beezus and Ramona; Ramona and Her Father; Ramona and Her Mother; Ramona Forever; Ramona the Brave; Ramona the Pest; Ramona’s World
Subjects/Themes: Financial Hardship, Families, Schools
Character Names: Ramona Quimby; Beezus (aka Beatrice) Quimby; Mr. and Mrs. Quimby; Mrs. Kemp; Willa Jean; Mrs. Whaley
Illustrator Website: http://www.tracydockray.com/
Brief Annotation: We follow Beverly Cleary’s award-winning character, Ramona Quimby, into third grade.
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