Book: Beezus And Ramona by Beverly Cleary

Published June 2000 (originally published June 1955) by Oxford University Press|160 pages

Where I Got It: I borrowed the e-book from the library

Series: Ramona Quimby #1

Genre: Children’s Contemporary

Nine-year-old Beezus Quimby has her hands full with her little sister, Ramona. Sure, other people have little sisters that bother them sometimes, but is there anyone in the world like Ramona? Whether she’s taking one bite out of every apple in a box or secretly inviting 15 other 4-year-olds to the house for a party, Ramona is always making trouble–and getting all the attention. Every big sister can relate to the trials and tribulations Beezus must endure. Old enough to be expected to take responsibility for her little sister, yet young enough to be mortified by every embarrassing plight the precocious preschooler gets them into, Beezus is constantly struggling with her mixed-up feelings about the exasperating Ramona.

After hearing that Beverly Cleary passed away, I knew I had to re-read the Ramona books.  I really liked them as a kid and I’m glad that I picked this one.  I’ll definitely be working my way through the series, so you’ll be seeing some Ramona reviews!

I really enjoyed this one.  I can picture how frustrated Beezus was, and Ramona is definitely exasperating.  But even though this book was published decades ago, the relationships hold up.  I’m an only child, so I can’t relate to having a sibling like Ramona, and I have no idea what it’s like to have a sibling.  But I liked their relationship, and I’m definitely more of a Beezus than a Ramona.

Still, this book is pretty delightful, and I liked the trouble Ramona got herself into.  I like that they’re both just kids.  Granted, I read a lot of YA, where the characters have to deal with things like taking down the government or magic or whatever else they end up dealing with.  Children’s books are a completely different thing, of course, but Ramona and Beezus are just kids.  They’re allowed to be kids.  Their parents are not just mentioned, but we see them.  I love the everyday life that we see in this book, and it was just so nice to read.

4 stars.  I really enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to read the next book!