A review by nackereia
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was the first Ramona Quimby book I remember reading. I definitely have fond memories for Ramona learning "present" didn't necessarily mean gift, Beezus teasing Ramona about the "dawn's early light" from the Star Spangled Banner, and Ramona "quitting" school. I remember empathizing with Ramona's annoyance over how slow Howie and grown ups were (I often felt so much the same as a kid!). 

As an adult reading this in the 2020s, it's painfully obvious Ramona has ADHD - can't focus on her own work, isn't able to relate well to her peers, can't sit still, very imaginative, incredibly impulsive. I also completely get why her peers do not like her (though I did not pick up that nuance as a kid when I read this book).