Summary
Ramona the Pest, published in 1968, is the second book in Beverly Cleary's beloved Ramona series and the first to focus on Ramona Quimby as the main character. This classic children's novel follows the adventures of spirited Ramona as she navigates her first months of kindergarten. With its timeless humor and relatable protagonist, the book has captivated readers for generations and earned critical acclaim, ranking 24th on School Library Journal's list of top 100 children's novels in 2012. While there are no famous adaptations, the book's enduring popularity has led to numerous reprints with illustrations by various artists, including Louis Darling, Alan Tiegreen, and Tracy Dockray.
Plot
Ramona Quimby is excited to start kindergarten. She develops a crush on a boy named Davy and wants to kiss him. She's also fascinated by her classmate Susan's curly hair and longs to pull it. Ramona tries her best to behave in class, especially when her teacher promises a reward for sitting still. However, despite her good intentions, Ramona often finds herself in trouble.
As the school year progresses, Ramona faces various challenges. She struggles to stay focused during seat work, constantly distracted by her classmates' activities. When a substitute teacher arrives one day, Ramona refuses to attend class and hides behind trash cans. Later, after an incident where she pulls Susan's hair and is called a “pest,” Ramona is sent home and temporarily refuses to return to school.
The situation is resolved when Ramona receives a letter from her teacher, Miss Binney, returning a tooth she had lost at school. This gesture convinces Ramona that her teacher still likes her, and she happily returns to kindergarten. Throughout the story, Ramona's experiences highlight the typical joys and struggles of a kindergartener, showcasing her spirited personality and good-hearted nature despite her tendency to unintentionally cause trouble.
Themes
Growing up and adjusting to new experiences
Misunderstandings between children and adults
Importance of self-expression and individuality
Dealing with social relationships and peer interactions
Learning to navigate school rules and expectations
Family dynamics and sibling relationships
Overcoming challenges and building self-confidence
Setting
Ramona the Pest is set in the late 1960s, reflecting the era in which Beverly Cleary wrote the book. The story takes place during a time when kindergarten was becoming more widespread in the United States, and children's experiences in early education were evolving. This setting provides a nostalgic backdrop for readers who may have experienced similar childhood milestones during this period.
The broader geographical setting of the novel is a suburban neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. While the exact location is not specified, it's typical of many American suburbs of the time, with tree-lined streets, family homes, and a close-knit community feel. The school where Ramona attends kindergarten serves as a central location in the story, representing a microcosm of her expanding world beyond home.
Specific places within this setting include Ramona's classroom, the playground where she interacts with her classmates, and her family home. These locations provide the backdrop for Ramona's adventures and misadventures, from her attempts to pull Susan's springy curls to her refusal to return to school after a misunderstanding with her teacher. The familiar settings of home, school, and neighborhood streets allow young readers to easily relate to Ramona's experiences as she navigates the challenges of growing up.
Characters
Ramona Quimby: The energetic and often misunderstood protagonist starting kindergarten. She doesn't mean to be a pest but often finds herself in trouble.
Miss Binney: Ramona's kind and patient kindergarten teacher who Ramona admires greatly.
Beezus Quimby: Ramona's older sister who often finds her annoying but still cares for her.
Susan: Ramona's classmate with springy curls that Ramona can't resist pulling.
Davy: A boy in Ramona's class that she has a crush on and tries to kiss.
Mr. and Mrs. Quimby: Ramona's parents who support and guide her through her kindergarten adventures.
Howie Kemp: Ramona's neighbor and classmate.
Ribsy: The neighborhood dog that Ramona hides with when avoiding school one day.
Quick facts
It was first published in 1968, making it over 50 years old.
The book is the second in the Ramona series but the first to focus primarily on Ramona as the main character.
The original illustrations were done by Louis Darling, though other illustrators have updated the artwork since.
It was ranked #24 on School Library Journal's list of top 100 children's novels in 2012.
The story follows Ramona's experiences as she starts kindergarten.
As of 2010, the book had been published in 140 editions across 9 languages.
It's available in multiple formats, including large print, braille, audiobook, and e-book.
The character of Ramona was actually introduced in Cleary's Henry Huggins series before getting her own books.
Cleary based many of Ramona's experiences on her own childhood memories and observations of children.
The book has been praised for its humor and ability to appeal to readers of all ages, not just children.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary was an iconic American children's author whose career spanned over half a century. Born in 1916 in Oregon, Cleary drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences to create relatable characters and stories that resonated with generations of young readers. Her most famous creations include Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph S. Mouse.
Cleary's books were groundbreaking in their portrayal of ordinary children facing everyday challenges with humor and resilience. She is credited with introducing emotional realism to children's literature, tackling subjects like financial struggles and family tensions in an accessible way. Cleary's writing style was noted for its wit, warmth, and respect for her young audience.
Over her long career, Cleary received numerous accolades, including the Newbery Medal, National Book Award, and National Medal of Arts. Her books have sold over 91 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 25 languages. Cleary's impact on children's literature was immense, influencing many subsequent authors and earning her recognition as a Library of Congress Living Legend.
Cleary passed away in 2021 at the age of 104, leaving behind a rich legacy. Her birthday, April 12th, is celebrated as “Drop Everything and Read Day” in schools across the United States. Statues of her beloved characters can be found in Portland's Grant Park, and the Beverly Cleary School in Portland stands as a testament to her enduring influence on education and literature.
