Plot Summary

Ramona

Beverly Cleary
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Ramona

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1955

Book Brief

Beverly Cleary

Ramona

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1955
Book Details
Pages

848

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1950s

Publication Year

1955

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

860L

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Super Short Summary

Ramona by Beverly Cleary is an eight-part children's series centered on the spirited and imaginative Ramona Quimby, her family, and friends. Spanning from kindergarten to fourth grade, Ramona navigates various childhood challenges and milestones while learning valuable lessons about family, friendship, and growing up. Notable books include Beezus and Ramona and Ramona and Her Father, both recognized as Newbery Honor Books, and Ramona and Her Mother, which won the National Book Award.

Playful

Humorous

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

75,331 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Beverly Cleary's Ramona offers a charming and humorous depiction of childhood that resonates with readers of all ages. Fans appreciate the relatable and endearing protagonist, Ramona Quimby, and her authentic portrayal of family dynamics and growing pains. However, some critics note the series sometimes lacks depth in addressing more complex issues. Overall, Ramona remains a beloved classic for its timeless appeal and heartwarming storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ramona?

Fans of Beverly Cleary's Ramona are typically young readers aged 7-12 who enjoy relatable, everyday adventures and challenges of growing up. Similar to those who appreciate Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Ann M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club, they are drawn to humor, family dynamics, and strong character-driven stories.

4.4

75,331 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Beverly Cleary created the character Ramona Quimby after realizing there were few stories depicting the everyday lives and challenges of little girls with authenticity and humor.

The Ramona series became so beloved that in 1984, a television show titled Ramona was produced in Canada, bringing the adventures of Ramona to the screen.

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The New York Public Library included Ramona Quimby books in its list of “100 Great Children’s Books” from the last 100 years, highlighting their enduring impact and popularity.

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Book Details
Pages

848

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • 1950s

Publication Year

1955

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

860L

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