Book Summary: Ramona’s family is all in a slump. Ramona’s father lost his job, her mom has to work full time and Beezus just thinks Ramona is a pest. Ramona is determined to make everyone happy, but in doing that she annoys her family. She researches many ways to make money and decides that she is going to be on commercials. That did not work out as she had planned and her dad assured her that he would not trade her for a million dollars. The story ends well when her father gets another job and the family gets back to what the Quimby’s call normal.
My Impressions: As I read this book I realized how many students it could reach today. While it was written in the 1970s it reflects the lives of many students living in today’s economy. I had to giggle as I was taken back in time with some of the things mentioned, but yet could place the same situations in today’s times. Cleary manages to have her characters be silly and funny even in real world serious situations that so many of our patrons experience.
Professional Review: Gr 3-5 – Pest, gutsy Ramona is now seven and a second grader – still ingenuous and loving but a bit more grown-up, at least enough to wonder what’s in those X-rated movies. The Quimbys – everyone’s favorite family – are suddenly hit by disaster when Dad loses his job. Mom is forced to work full-time, the cat refuses cheaper food and eats the Halloween pumpkin instead; Beezus is preoccupied and beleaguered by Creative Writing; and Dad keeps house in desperation, chain smoking and sitting by a phone that never rings. Ramona takes matters into her own hands; primping and simpering, she practices being “dainty and adorable” to make a million dollars doing child roles in commercials; she also starts an intensive campaign to stop Dad from smoking. It all ends happily with Dad getting a job and promising to try to stop smoking. Old friends will not be disappointed in spite of the seriousness if the situation: Cleary reassures young readers by seasoning the bitterness with love and laughter that relieve the tensions. – Marjorie Lewis, Scarsdale Junior High School Library, N.Y.
Library Uses:
· Read Aloud – This book would be a great read aloud in many schools where students are facing these same issues with the economy.
· Literature Circle – Arrange for a group of students to meet and discuss the book. They can in this group share their emotions and responses to the book and build a community.
· Writing Group – Ramona’s experience with creative writing could be brought out and challenge students to interview someone who _______________ (fill in with something that the students are currently working on).
Cleary, B. (1975). Ramona and her father. New York : Morrow.
Lewis, M. (1977, November). Book Review. [Review of the book Ramonda and Her Father, by M. Lewis]. School Library Journal 24(3), p 54.
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