Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - A Review

We finished Ramona Quimby, age 8 by Beverly Cleary today.  Ah, the adventures and misadventures of Ramona Quimby.  Laura liked this one, and I was afraid she wouldn't like the Ramona books.  However, she laughed at the silly things that happened and seemed sympathetic at the misfortunes of Ramona.

In this book Ramona is now growing up.  She is starting the third grade.  On the very first day she begins to get teased by a boy in her class that she calls Yard Ape.  Ramona is determined to like third grade and her teacher.  At home, there are many challenges the family faces while mom is working and dad is going to college.  Big sister Beezus is growing up too and beginning to spend more time with friends.

The events that happen to Ramona are so understood by the reader:  The embarrassment at getting egg in her hair when mom gave her the wrong egg, the horror of getting sick and throwing up in front of the class, the sadness in hearing that her teacher doesn't like her much.  All of these things come to play in the continuing story of Ramona.  Ramona's book report is an unforgettable moment that had Laura giggling throughout the chapter.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8, is a Newbery Award winner that we loved.  I think the character of Ramona will be remembered for awhile.