Ramona the Pest

Clearly, Beverly. Ramona the Pest. 1968.

Plot: Six-year-old Ramona is finally old enough to go to Kindergarten. Despite her eagerness to go, she finds herself in more situations than she expects. Her teacher, Miss Binny, seems nice and smart. David, a classmate, also seems intriguing. However, a curly-haired nemesis and sulky male friend also stalk the classroom. Ramona struggles against strange substitutes, old boots, rainy days, and writing her name. She also navigates the general chaos usually instigated by her own choices. Her desire for attention eventually leads to her dismissal from class. Ramona must learn to face her own frustrations to return to the teacher she adores.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Growing Up, School

Reading Level: Grades 2-6

Similar Titles: Junie B. Jones, Clementine, Emma Dilemma series

Personal Thoughts: Despite the book's age, it still contains the same appeal as current titles, particularly the Emma Dilemma and Judy Moody series. The story generally avoids transitional subjects, such as fashion, politics, and entertainment. Instead, it focuses on unchanging topics, such as student-teacher relations and family interactions. Ramona is a slightly larger-than-life character in a fairly normal society, so her adventures seem completely feasible and even understandable. Most students balance between wanting approval from their teacher and wishing to misbehave when confronted by a bully. Many younger siblings are repelled and enchanted by their elders. Everyone wishes they could have something slightly better than they can afford. Ramona's struggles are the same as everyone's, even if her reactions break convention. She uses her audience's sympathy to relate to and encourage readers, gaining establishment in even modern libraries.