Module 2 Book Review of "Ramona Quimby, Age 8"

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Clearly, Beverly. 1981. RAMONA QUIMBY, AGE 8. New York: Morrow Junior Books. ISBN: 0-688-00477-6.

Synopsis:

Ramona Quimby is excited about finally reaching the third grade and looks forward to being more grown up. But her dreams are soon crushed when she meets a new bully on the school bus, discovers that her teacher thinks she's a nuisance, and her parents are struggling to make ends meet. In the end, by overcoming her fears Ramona learns to adapt to her social problems and confronts them head on.

Here's What I Think:

Poor Ramona! What an awesome character, and so easy for me to relate to. Outwardly, she appears full of flaws, very clumsy, and in some ways socially backward. But her inner thoughts reveal that she is a child living in an adult world, doing the best she can. Her life is controlled and judged by adults, and so often she just feels frustrated, confused, and trapped.

One of my favorite lines of the book comes just after Ramona's parents, who both work full-time jobs and yet struggle financially, decide that tonight it's Ramona and her sister's turn to make dinner. I suppose the parents intended for this to teach them a lesson, after their refusal to eat the cow tongue at dinner the previous night.

In response to the parents' decree, Ramona says to Beezus, “I think they're mean.”

“They're punishing us,” said Beezus. “That's what they're doing.”

And yet it all seems to backfire, because Ramona later comes down with a stomach virus – presumably from the undercooked chicken that she and her sister were forced to prepare for the family.

Ramona tries so hard to please her parents, teachers, and sister. And yet it seems that everything she continues to be blamed and accused of some wrong-doing. But Ramona grows from her problematic experiences, becomes more socially adept and, in the end, finds the courage to confront every adult she has a problem with and resolve her feelings with them. And that is the magic of Ramona.

Uses Within a Library Environment:

This book might come in handy for an adult program, or book club. The adult program could be for parents of children and teenagers who are trying to find ways and methods of encouraging their kids to read more. Not only is this an excellent book for children in fourth grade, and up, this particular book can also be a tool for adults. It easily reminds us of the sensitivities and insecurities that a child faces, growing up in an adult world, unable to effectively communicate their needs. I would want to encourage adults as well as children to read this book in order to gain some perspective.

Awards and Reviews:

• Newbery Medal Winner, 1982.
• Garden State Children's Book Award (New Jersey)
• "Cleary shows us life through Ramona's eyes and shows her young readers that they are not alone."(-- Kirkus Reviews)