Beezus and Ramona

Ramona’s father is mostly absent from the narrative, aside from a few passing mentions. Is this characteristic of the time in which the novel was written? What is the effect of the novel being mostly dominated by female characters? Analyze the fact that Beezus’s best friend is a boy.

The term “middle grade” is not a distinct genre of literature but an age-based categorization that can include many genres, like fantasy and historical fiction. It is a label to help parents and kids choose age-appropriate books. What elements of the novel make it ideal for a reader between the ages of 8 and 12? Conversely, how does Cleary make this story appealing to all ages? How does a reader engage with the novel differently as an adult?

How does Cleary present a nostalgic view of childhood? In what way is the Quimbys’ mid-20th-century childhood, absent modern technology and entertainment, different from that of children today? Beezus struggles to be imaginative and creative: In what ways is that more or less challenging for children today?

In Beezus and Ramona, Cleary introduces several characters—such as Henry Huggins, Ribsy, and Ramona—who appear in their own separate novels. How does the author create enough interest in these minor characters for a reader to decide to explore them more deeply in another book? How do these minor characters highlight aspects of Beezus’s personality?

Food is a common motif in the narrative. Many of the chapters prominently featuring a food item or centering on it completely, as with the apples and the birthday cakes. Why is food an important part of a story about children? How does Cleary use food as a humorous element in the text? What is the significance of the table and eating to families and children?

Ramona is described as an imaginative child, but most of her hijinks involve sound, sensible assertions such as, “I wanted to see what would happen.” How does Cleary craft in Ramona a character that is irrational but reasonable and imaginative but sometimes quite grounded in her thinking?

Aunt Beatrice is a powerful force in Beezus’s life. Analyze how Cleary explores the importance of children having positive, non-parental adult influences in their environment. Do you think Beatrice will become important to Ramona as well?

Mrs. Quimby gives Beezus a tremendous amount of responsibility for a nine-year-old girl in caring for Ramona. Is this element a product of the time in which the novel is written? Would modern readers find this problematic? How does this level of responsibility affect Beezus’s growth and maturity?