This is a story about 8 year old Ramona Quimby. Her father is returning to school to become a teacher as Ramona goes into the third grade. She feels very grown up and short with the other little kids in the neighborhood. One day Ramona cracks what she thinks is a hard boiled egg over her head and is sent to the nurse. She overhears her teacher call her a nuisance and becomes sad. Feeling sorry for herself and not wanting to be a nuisance she quietly goes about life until she gets sick in class. Ramona Quimby is simply wonderful. This is a great first reader. It's really about misunderstanding and being loved, which is what all children need and crave. The illustrations add fun to this very realistic portrayal of an 8 year old girl. This would even be a great read aloud book for girls. ( )

Newbery Medal/Honor 01/01/82
Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.)
School Library Journal
Horn Book starred 10/01/06

This book is about a girl who is entering the third-grade named Ramona. She is an enthusiastic young girl who is excited to begin the third grade and start riding the bus all by herself. One thing Ramona despises though is staying at the Kemp's house everyday after school until her parents can pick her up. Ramona's dad has just saved up enough money to quit his job and return to school to become a teacher; therefore Ramona is doing her part to help the family squeak by. One of Ramona's worst days is when she throws up in front of the whole class, but she soon recovers and gives a report to regain her confidence. This book follows Ramona as she takes on the third-grade year.

Ramona books are great! They are entertaining and the girls in my class love them. ( )

Ramona is growing up, and part of growing up includes riding a bus to school and learning how to do her part to help the family...even if she doesn't like it. Third grade brings Ramona all sorts of new adventures, starting on the bus ride on the first day of a school when a Yard Ape type boy steals her new pink eraser! Things continue to happen to Ramona and it just doesn't seem fair. She has to play nicely with Willa Jean after school, a little girl who is always making mischief for which Ramona is blamed. Through it all Ramona approaches these situations with a perspective that is unique and decidedly classic Ramona. This delightful story takes the reader through the various trials and triumphs of an eight year old Ramona Quimby. ( )