Ramona the Pest
#2 in Ramona Quimby Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (66,864)
What’s inside...
From the moment Howie Kemp's mysterious 'rich' Uncle Hobart arrives from Saudi Arabia, everything around Ramona Quimby seems to be changing. Howie and his sister, Willa Jean, talk only about Uncle Hobart. Ramona's mother and Aunt Bea seem to be keeping secrets. Life for Ramona, now a grown-up third-grader, is full of beginnings, discoveries, and surprises – one very big surprise and one very small, but just as special! Through all the happiness and confusion, and some small moments of sadness too, Ramona tries hard to be pleasant and helpful. Whether she's pleasant or pesty, brave or blunderful, she's always wonderful Ramona – forever! Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary expertly depicts the trials and triumphs of growing up through a relatable heroine who isn't afraid to be exactly who she is.
Character compass
Ramona Quimby
Miss Binney
Susan
Beezus Quimby
Henry Huggins
Discussion points
How do you think Ramona felt when she was called a 'pest'? Can you think of a time you felt misunderstood?
Why do you think Ramona likes pulling Susan's curls? What are some other ways she could express her feelings?
Ramona has a big imagination. What are some of the imaginative things she does? Do you ever pretend like Ramona?
How do the adults in the story respond to Ramona's actions? Do you think their responses are fair?
What did Ramona learn by the end of the book? What did you learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start with empathy. Encourage your child to consider Ramona’s feelings and actions from her perspective.
Ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and personal connection to the story’s events and characters.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences that resonate with situations in the book, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
Discuss the different characters' reactions to Ramona and what those reactions teach about understanding and patience.
Highlight the moments of growth and learning in the book, prompting your child to think about their own moments of learning and growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Ramona learns to recognize and consider the feelings of others, particularly through her interactions with her kindergarten classmates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being attentive to their friends' emotions and learning to respond kindly in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ramona faces various consequences for her actions, which teaches her about responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions affect others and that they should think before acting.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Ramona deals with scenarios that highlight the importance of being truthful, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to always tell the truth, helping to build trust with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Ramona encounters challenges at school and at home but learns to adapt and stay positive.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain resilient and adaptable in face of their own challenges, fostering a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The character’s vivid imagination opens a world of creativity, as seen through her various playful antics.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to engage in creative play, enhancing their cognitive skills and ability to solve problems imaginatively.