Ramona Quimby, Age 8
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Tracy Dockray
Book 6 in the Ramona Quimby series
Pages: 190
Published: 1981
Age: 7+
Ramona likes that she’s old enough to be counted on, but must everything depend on her? Mrs. Quimby has gone back to work so that Mr. Quimby can return to school, and Ramona is expected to be good for Mrs. Kemp while her parents are away, to be brave enough to ride the school bus by herself, and to put up with being teased by Danny the Yard Ape.
In Ramona’s world, being eight isn’t easy, but it’s never dull!
What happens when being a big kid comes with brand-new, totally embarrassing problems?
- Third Grade Trials: From cracking a raw egg on her head in the cafeteria to throwing up in front of the entire class, Ramona learns that being a third-grader is a messy business.
- A Relatable Heroine: Ramona wants to be grown-up enough for her family to depend on, but dealing with rivals like Danny the Yard Ape and pesky little kids makes it tough.
- Heartfelt Family Story: With her mom at a new job and her dad back in school, the Quimbys are pulling together, even when it means eating tongue for dinner—or letting Ramona and Beezus cook!
- Classic Sibling Story: Big sister Beezus is in junior high now, but she and Ramona still have to team up when their parents get on their case, and the results are hilarious.
In this edition of the Newbery Honor Book Ramona Quimby, Age 8, the timeless classic features a special foreword written by actress, producer, and author Amy Poehler, as well as an exclusive interview with Beverly Cleary herself.
Readers ages 6-12 will laugh along with and relate to Ramona's timeless adventures.
Newbery Medal Nominee (1982), Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee (1983), Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (1984), National Book Award Finalist for Children's Books, Fiction (Hardcover) (1982)
About the Ramona Quimby Series
Books in series order
- 1.Beezus and Ramona(1955)
- 2.Ramona the Pest(1967)
- 3.Ramona the Brave(1974)
- 4.Ramona and Her Father(1977)
- 5.Ramona and Her Mother(1979)
- 6.Ramona Quimby, Age 8(1981)
- 7.Ramona Forever(1984)
- 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.

