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35 pages 1 hour read

Ramona the Pest

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1968

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Book Brief

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Beverly Cleary

Ramona the Pest

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1968
Book Details
Pages

211

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1950s

Publication Year

1968

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

6-9 years

Lexile Level

850L

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Super Short Summary

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary follows the spirited Ramona Quimby as she navigates her first days of kindergarten with her new teacher, Miss Binney. Ramona is excited, forms crushes, and finds herself in various comical misadventures, including hiding behind trash cans and getting stuck in mud. Despite her eagerness to please, Ramona struggles with classroom rules, particularly regarding Susan's tempting curls.

Humorous

Playful

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

68,132 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

In Ramona the Pest, Beverly Cleary skillfully captures early childhood with humor and authenticity, making it delightful for young readers and nostalgic for adults. Positive reviews praise its relatable characters and engaging narrative. However, some criticize the pacing as slow. Overall, it remains an endearing classic that resonates across generations.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ramona the Pest?

Readers aged 7-9 who enjoy humorous, relatable stories about childhood will delight in Beverly Cleary's Ramona the Pest. Fans of Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Megan McDonald's Judy Moody series will find Ramona Quimby's spirited adventures both entertaining and endearing.

4.4

68,132 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Ramona Quimby

A spirited young girl in kindergarten known for unintentionally being a "pest" as she navigates her desire for attention and individuality, while living with her family and forming significant bonds with her teacher and classmates.

Ramona’s older sister who attends the same school, portrayed as sometimes unsupportive and annoyed by Ramona’s antics; she is friends with Henry Huggins.

Ramona’s patient yet stern mother, who consistently appears throughout the story and shows understanding and support for Ramona's growth and development.

Ramona’s admired kindergarten teacher, whom she seeks to please, and plays a central role in Ramona's school experiences, particularly related to behavior and impulse control.

Ramona’s neighbor and classmate, characterized by his lack of excitement and maturity in certain situations, often clashing with Ramona’s energetic personality.

A traffic boy at Ramona’s school and a friend of Beezus, who is reluctant but helpful in rescuing Ramona from various minor predicaments.

Book Details
Pages

211

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1950s

Publication Year

1968

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

6-9 years

Lexile Level

850L

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