Having read many of Beverly Cleary's books and having high expectations, this book did not disappoint. In the beginning of the book, Ramona is very excited because Howie's rich uncle is coming to town from Saudi Arabia; however, once he finally comes, Ramona realizes she doesn't like him and that Mrs. Kemp (Howie's grandmother) doesn't really like her. This leads to Ramona staying home with her sister alone in the afternoons instead. Both Ramona and Beezus struggle to get along but push through because they don't want to go back to Mrs. Kemp's house. Through the death of their cat and the curiosity stemming from their mother and father's strange actions the girl's friendship grows closer than ever. Ramona and Beezus discover that their mother is pregnant, which sparks feelings in Ramona that she doesn't know how to handle; Beezus however, is thrilled. Another huge shock comes for the girls when their Aunt Bea tells them that she is getting married to Howie's rich uncle and moving away to Alaska. The book journeys through these big changes with Ramona as she realizes that life will be different but that different can be a good thing. In the classroom, I might read this book aloud to my students in our free time. I feel that a lot of third grade students would relate to Ramona, especially in this book when she is struggling to figure out who she is and how the big changes in her life are going to affect her. Students with younger siblings or a younger sibling on the way would especially relate to her feelings about having a new baby in the house. Also, students with older siblings would understand the struggles between her and Beezus. Overall, this book could help students gain a love of reading and could encourage them to read more of the Ramona book series. As a more technical teaching tool, this book could be used to teach students about character traits and teaching them to recount events in a story- both of which are 3rd grade common core standards.
Ramona is growing up quickly--depending on your point of view. If you consider that she was four in 1955, and nine in 1984, then, her childhood is taking forever. But when you're happily rushing through the series, it feels like she's growing up so quickly. Ramona Forever is the seventh book in the series. Ramona is still in third grade, I believe. "The Rich Uncle" Howie and Willa Jean have a rich uncle coming to stay with them. Will Ramona like Howie's uncle? He doesn't make the best first impression. He teases her about his name. He gives Howie and Willa Jean presents. Not that Ramona wanted a present. But. Since Mrs. Kemp BLAMES Ramona when Willa Jean breaks her present, she wishes that the Uncle had not come at all. Why is it HER FAULT? "Ramona's Problem" Ramona tells her mother that she doesn't want to go to the Kemps anymore. She HATES going there after school, can't her and Beezus come home instead. They'll be really, really good and responsible..."Being Good" How well are Ramona and Beezus getting along after school on their own?!"Picky-Picky" Ramona and Beezus find Picky-Picky dead in the basement. Beezus suspects that their mom might be pregnant, and doesn't want to worry or upset her. They decide to bury the cat in their yard on their own."It" Beezus was right. Ramona is going to be a big sister. Their mom is going to have a baby in the summer. Is Ramona excited or not?! "A Surprise, Sort Of" Aunt Beatrice has a big announcement. And why is she bringing Howie's Uncle to dinner?! "The Chain of Command" Shopping for wedding clothes. Ramona is a thousand times more excited than Howie. Howie does not want to be a ring bearer."The Families Get Together" Wedding planning."Ramona Saves the Day" The wedding itself. Ramona, you guessed it, saves the day. This one has a very sitcom feel to it."Another Big Event" Is Ramona ready to be a big sister?!
What do You think about Ramona Forever (1996)?
Having only read one other Ramona book, this one did not disappoint. Even as an adult, right from the beginning I was able to relate to Ramona. Ramona deals with a variety of feelings. Her friend Howie's Uncle Hobart picks on her. She and her sister deal with the death of a pet. She worries about her mom who is pregnant. She is concerned about her father finding a teaching job. When he finally receives an offer, it is out of town so she worries about having to move. She is alarmed when her aunt brings Uncle Hobart to dinner and announces they are marrying. When her mom gives birth to her baby sister, Ramona has to deal with disappointment and frustration since she is too young to go to the maternity ward. Even with all the disappointment, Ramona keeps her sense of humor.Cleary, through the voice of Ramona, addresses how difficult it is to be a kid. She helped me remember adult problems often trickle down to children who worry as well. I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the entire Ramona series with my granddaughters.
—Stacy Wines
سری 8 جلدی کتاب‌های رامونا رو به پیشنهاد و برای همراهی و تشویق خواهرزاده‌ی 10 ساله‌ام که تازه شروع به مطالعه کرده است خوندم. خیلی خیلی از خوندنشون لذت بردم. کتاب‌ها با اینکه در غالب داستان برای بچه‌ها نوشته شده بود ولی در اصل روانشناسی کودک بود. بعد از خوندن این سری کتاب‌ها دیدم نسبت به دنیای بچه‌ها و کارهایی که می‌کنند عوض شد. فکر می‌کنم از بعد از اون روابطم هم با بچه‌ها بهتر شده. از سری کتاب‌هایی هستند که حتما باز هم می‌خونمشون.
—Maryam Shahriari
من رامونا رو "بلعیده"م.در حدی که یه بار یه تناقض توش پیدا کردم.جایی که هوبارت وارد ِ قصه می شد و رامونا ازش خوش‌ش نمی اومد نوشته بود که:"رامونا خوش‌حال بود که هوبارت عموی ِ او نیست.خوش‌حال بود که اصلن عمو ندارد." و توی ِ یه کتاب ِ دیگه‌ش نوشته بود:"رامونا همان دختربچه ای بود که یک بار توی ِ حمام خودش را کچل کرده بود تا مثل ِ عمویش بشود."بعد هِی می خواستم این تناقضو به یکی بگم تا درست شه،ولی نمی دونستم به کی باید بگم!+تنها کتابی که نمی‌پرستیدم رامونا و بیزوس بود.
—Faezeh
