Purpose
Ramona Quimby narrates the life of a young girl named Ramona Quimby, who grew up in Portland, Oregon, and encountered various challenges relevant to children worldwide. The author wrote the book to provide children with relatable stories that help them maneuver the complexities of growing up. Ramona is a flawed character who struggles with many of the same issues children face today, such as sibling rivalry, friendship, family dynamics, and school (Cleary, 2020). Through Ramona’s experiences, children can perceive that it is normal to make mistakes, feel embarrassed, or struggle with difficult emotions. While the book touches on sensitive themes, such as sibling rivalry, school life, and growing up, it does so in a relatable, engaging, and entertaining way.
Another significant purpose of the book is to promote diversity and inclusivity. The book features characters from various ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and family structures, helping children realize various ways to be a family. Ramona Quimby is a celebration of childhood and all the joys and challenges that come along. By highlighting the daily experiences of a young girl growing up in America (Cleary, 2020), the book provides insight into the lives of children. It encourages readers to view the world from a different perspective. Cleary’s book was ahead of its time in its portrayal of diverse characters, and it continues to be an important resource for children today.
Summary
The book’s primary goal is to provide relevant and entertaining content for children. Cleary ensured this by creating a character in Ramona who is relatable to many young readers. Ramona is a curious, creative, and sometimes stubborn young girl who simply tries to make sense of the world around her. Children reading the book can imagine themselves in Ramona’s situation and feel connected to her struggles and triumphs. For instance, in one scene, Ramona is frustrated with her older sister, Beezus, who is always harassing her. Ramona decides to make breakfast by herself but accidentally cracks an egg on the floor and burns her toast, adding to her frustration (Cleary, 2020). Most children can relate to wanting to assert their independence but struggling with the execution.
The author’s language in the book is concise and easy to understand. For instance, the author describes the character of Ramona in a few sentences: “Ramona was not a slowpoke grown-up girl. She was a girl who could not wait. Life was so interesting she had to find out what happened next” (Cleary, 2020, 10:02). This passage briefly but effectively conveys Ramona’s curiosity and eagerness.
The author’s writing also portrays originality and creativity. Cleary often uses metaphors and similes to bring her characters and settings to life. For instance, when Ramona is trying to sit still during class, the author writes, “She felt as if she had grasshoppers in her blood” (Cleary, 2020, 05:27). This simile effectively captures the restlessness and energy of a young child.
Cleary’s style of writing is simple yet effective, as is evident in the opening lines of the book: “Beezus was flicking dust off the end table with her father’s handkerchief. She watched dust particles dance in the air, in and out of the golden sunlight slanting through the living room window” (Cleary, 2020, 07:50). This passage effectively describes the setting and sets the tone for the rest of the story. The author’s writing is easy to understand and accessible to young readers, while it also incorporates humor and wit to add to the charm of the story.
Relevance
Ramona Quimby is a children’s realistic fiction book. The book’s setting, characters, and events are all grounded in reality, making it a prime example of realistic fiction. Cleary’s vivid descriptions of the main character’s daily encounters allow young readers to relate to her and picture themselves in her shoes. The book is intended for an audience of children between the ages of eight and twelve, which corresponds to a reading level between grades three and seven. The writing style and vocabulary are age-appropriate, and the plot is engaging and relevant to this audience. The book also features illustrations, further enhancing the reading experience and making it more appealing to young readers.
Reaction
Ramona’s experiences with characters from different backgrounds inspired me to be open-minded when I relate to people, regardless of our differences. Her determined and imaginative character brought out the reality that I could only stand a chance to get what I desired if I endeavored to reach out. Despite Ramona’s challenges in her quest to explore the world, she never became downhearted and gave up as she remained steadfast.
Reference
Cleary, B. (2020). Ramona Quimby [Video]. YouTube. Web.