I recently heard that there will be a Ramona Quimby movie coming out in 2010, and the news got my sister and I a bit obsessed with the books. We wanted to see if, as adults, we would love Ramona as much as we did as kids. I decided to pop in to my local B&N and revisit Ramona’s many adventures. The quick answer is yes; the stories are still as wonderful and Ramona is still as loveable as I remember, but as an adult, I saw some things that I'm sure I didn't notice as a kid.
I started with the most popular book: Ramona Quimby, Age 8. With Ramona as the narrator, the reader joins her as she starts the third grade during tumultuous times in the Quimby household: Dad has quit his job and is going back to school to be an Art teacher; Ramona’s sister, Beezus, is entering Junior High; and her mom now has a full-time job, which means Ramona will have to change schools so she can be watched by a family friend after school. Surprisingly, Ramona is proud of her “job” in the household. Although she dislikes having to play with a bossy two year old at her sitter’s house, Ramona knows that her contribution to the household is just as important as everyone else’s. What a refreshing thought process from a character for this age group! With the economy the way it is, there are many families facing hard times, and it seems that many kids these days just don't know how to deal when real life gets in the way of their life. Having to change schools is something most kids would surely complain about, but Ramona takes it in stride.
With all the issues I’m dealing with lately, I don’t always think to put myself in my stepdaughter, Anna’s, shoes. This book reminded me to take notice when she handles change with a smile on her face and chooses to be positive—not always an easy thing for a ten year old. Ramona is a spunky kid with confidence and a sassy attitude, and her adventures are realistic for kids around the same age who watch her struggle through tough situations like feeling judged by, and wanting the approval of a new teacher; dealing with new rivals; and fitting in at a new school. And home life isn’t any easier: times are tough with her dad not working and it puts a strain on the family. I was particularly moved by an instance where the family car needs repair, Mom hasn’t been working because Ramona has been sick, and the whole family is down and out. Mr. Quimby to the rescue: he announces that they are all going out to dinner to cheer everyone up. It was nothing fancy, but it painted a picture of a family enjoying time together and savoring a treat. Personally, times have been hard in my household and it made me realize that taking some time to simply celebrate life once in a while is an important, and sometimes much needed, escape. It’s often the little things that make all the difference.
Ramona’s desire to please her family and her go-with-the-flow attitude are character traits not often found in kid’s books these days. A lot of kids today expect gifts and material items “just because” and are often not aware of their parent’s strain. Ramona’s humble attitude is a great example for our kids. Her point of view is real and unselfish, and always expressed in a way that shows self-respect. It’s so easy for kids to judge themselves and others by what they have, instead of who they are. Ramona helps remind them that it has nothing to do with the objects you have but everything to do with how you conduct yourself and treat others.
This is a book that doesn’t end with everything falling perfectly back into place, but with the much more realistic idea that life will continue to go on—with good times and bad—just as it is in real life. Beverly Cleary did a great job creating a positive, yet feisty girl who manages to survive the typical trials and tribulations of an eight-year-old’s life. It’s a perfect read for young, sassy girls who can’t find a character they can really relate to—with real-life lessons, to boot. Happy Reading.
