Ramona the Pest

Ramona Quimby Series

Author: Beverly Cleary

Illustrator: Tracy Dockray

Book 2 in the Ramona Quimby series

Pages: 240

Published: 1967

Age: 6+

Ramona Quimby is excited to start kindergarten. No longer does she have to watch her older sister, Beezus, ride the bus to school with all the big kids. She's finally old enough to do it too!

Then she gets into trouble for pulling her classmate's boingy curls during recess. Even worse, her crush rejects her in front of everyone. Beezus says Ramona needs to quit being a pest, but how can she stop if she never was trying to be one in the first place?

Readers ages 6-12 will laugh and relate to Ramona's timeless adventures.

Recognition:

Nene Award (1971), Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award (1971), Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award (1971)

About the Ramona Quimby Series

Books in series order

  1. 1.Beezus and Ramona(1955)
  2. 2.Ramona the Pest(1967)
  3. 3.Ramona the Brave(1974)
  4. 4.Ramona and Her Father(1977)
  5. 5.Ramona and Her Mother(1979)
  6. 6.Ramona Quimby, Age 8(1981)
  7. 7.Ramona Forever(1984)
  8. 8.Ramona's World(1999)

Reading age: 6+ years

The Ramona Quimby series follows the lively, imaginative, and sometimes exasperating Ramona as she grows from an energetic preschooler into a more thoughtful elementary school student.

Ramona approaches everyday life with strong opinions, big feelings, and a determination to be understood. Whether she is dealing with school, friendships, family changes, money worries, or her relationship with her older sister Beezus, her good intentions often lead to unexpected trouble. Beverly Cleary’s warm, humorous stories capture the frustrations, embarrassments, and small triumphs of childhood with honesty and affection. The trials and triumphs of growing up are depicted through a relatable heroine who isn't afraid to be exactly who she is.

Funny, reassuring, and sharply observed, the series remains especially appealing to readers who enjoy realistic family stories and characters who do not always get things right. These books continue to make young readers laugh in recognition and pleasure. They're perfect for independent and shared reading, at home or in the classroom.