Author Review – Beverly Cleary

I’m about to start a series of reviews on Beverly Cleary’s books for children, but before I do that, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the woman herself. Beverly was born in Oregon and lived on a farm in Yamhill. The town was so small, there was no library, but her mother had books sent over from the state library so the citizens could have access to reading material. Later on, Beverly attended school in Portland, but found that her reading skills weren’t up to the level of her classmates. She wasn’t slowed down for … Continue reading

“Ramona’s World” by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby was nine years old. She had brown hair, brown eyes, and no cavities. She had a mother, a father, a big sister named Beatrice who was called Beezus by the family, and — this was the exciting part — a baby sister named Roberta after her father, Robert Quimby. “Ramona’s World” — the last book in the series about Ramona Quimby — is full of yet another year in Ramona’s life. This time she deals with a new baby sister, fourth grade, and gets a new best friend who understands her better than anyone. Age nine proves to … Continue reading

“Ramona Forever” by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is back in another great episode of the Ramona series, “Ramona Forever.” Instead of focusing greatly on school, “Ramona Forever” tells more about what happens in the Quimby family. From the time that Ramona’s friend Howie’s rich Uncle Hobart comes to visit, Ramona has a problem. Then, Ramona and her older sister Beezus convince their parents to give them a big responsibility. Once Mr. and Mrs. Quimby share a big surprise with Ramona and Beezus, things in the Quimby household turn upside-down! Howie’s Uncle Hobart proves to be quite a nuisance to Ramona. On the first day that he … Continue reading

“Ramona Quimby, Age 8” by Beverly Cleary

Ramona had reached the age of demanding accuracy from everyone, even herself. All summer, whenever a grown-up asked what grade she was in, she felt as if she were fibbing when she answered “third,” because she had not actually started the third grade. Still, she could not say she was in the second grade since she had finished that grade last June. Grown-ups did not understand that summers were free from grades. Ramona Quimby has finally reached third grade. She has a teacher named Mrs. Whaley and a new nemesis whom she calls “Yard Ape.” In “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” … Continue reading

“Ramona and Her Mother” by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Quimby is seven-and-a-half and in second grade. Lately she has been wishing to spend more time with her mother. In “Ramona and Her Mother,” Ramona faces many new challenges from getting used to a new teacher in the middle of the year to dealing with her friend Howie’s little sister Willa Jean. At the beginning of the book, the Quimbys throw a brunch celebrating Mr. Quimby finding a job after being out of work for months. Ramona’s job is to keep Willa Jean Kemp — her friend Howie’s younger sister — occupied and out of trouble. She decides to … Continue reading

“Ramona and Her Father” by Beverly Cleary

Beverly Cleary gives insight into Ramona Quimby’s relationship with her dad in “Ramona and Her Father.” Now in second grade, Ramona accidentally insults her teacher right before the conference with Mr. Quimby. Of course, she once again feels that the school year is ruined. In the meantime, Ramona’s father loses his job and the family must learn to deal with the repercussions that follow. As a result of Mr. Quimby losing his job, Ramona begins to think of ways to help the family get money. After seeing a little boy in a commercial for the local Whopperburger, Ramona’s father says, … Continue reading

“Ramona the Brave” by Beverly Cleary

In another installment in the series about Ramona Quimby, we find our little first grader in even more precarious situations than ever. “Ramona the Brave” will take you and your child through another school year in Ramona’s life, along with all of the wonderful things that await her. Before the school year begins, Mrs. Quimby has a surprise for Ramona and her older sister Beatrice — Beezus as the family calls her. Finally, after years of the sisters sharing the same room, the Quimbys are going to add another room onto the house. They will share it, Ramona sleeping in … Continue reading

“Ramona the Pest” by Beverly Cleary

Beverly Cleary shows her talent again in the first book completely about Ramona Quimby — “Ramona the Pest.” This book tells the story of Ramona’s trials and tribulations as she enters the world of kindergarten. From learning new things and having fun with show-and tell, Ramona will keep you and your child enthralled as you follow her through mischief and mishaps. On Ramona’s first day of kindergarten, her teacher seats everyone as they walk into the classroom. Miss Binney, Ramona’s kindergarten teacher directs her to a desk and says, “Sit here for the present.” Unfortunately, Ramona misunderstands that her teacher … Continue reading

“Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary

Beatrice Quimby’s biggest problem was her little sister Ramona. Beatrice, or Beezus (as everyone called her, because that was what Ramona had called her when she first learned to talk), knew other nine-year-old girls who had little sisters who went to nursery school, but she did not know anyone with a little sister like Ramona. When your child begins reading chapter books, Beverly Cleary is a great choice for an author. Although Ramona Quimby makes her first appearance in Cleary’s books about Henry Huggins, “Beezus and Ramona” is the first book in which Ramona is a major character. Focused mainly … Continue reading