Ramona Forever

Ramona Quimby #7

by Beverly Cleary

From the moment Howie Kemp's mysterious "rich" Uncle Hobart arrives from Saudi Arabia, everything around Ramona Quimby seems to be changing. Howie and his sister, Willa Jean, talk only about Uncle Hobart. Ramona's mother and Unt Bea seem to be keeping secrets. Life for Ramona, now a grown-up third-grader, is full of beginnings and discoveries and surprises--one very big surprise and one very small, but just as special!

Through all the happiness and confusion, and some small moments of sadness, too, Ramona tries hard to be pleasant and helpful. Whether she's pleasant or pesty, brave or blunderful, she's always wonderful Ramona--forever!
--back cover

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Classics, Young Adult, Audiobook

150 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 1984

About the author

Beverly Atlee Cleary was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction. One of America's most successful authors, 91 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide since her first book was published in 1950. Some of her best known characters are Ramona Quimby and Beezus Quimby, Henry Huggins and his dog Ribsy, and Ralph S. Mouse.
The majority of Cleary's books are set in the Grant Park neighborhood of northeast Portland, Oregon, where she was raised, and she has been credited as one of the first authors of children's literature to figure emotional realism in the narratives of her characters, often children in middle-class families. Her first children's book was Henry Huggins after a question from a kid when Cleary was a librarian. Cleary won the 1981 National Book Award for Ramona and Her Mother and the 1984 Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. For her lifetime contributions to American literature, she received the National Medal of Arts, recognition as a Library of Congress Living Legend, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. The Beverly Cleary School, a public school in Portland, was named after her, and several statues of her most famous characters were erected in Grant Park in 1995. Cleary died on March 25, 2021, at the age of 104.

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember being totally disappointed that the new baby was named Roberta. I still kinda am; Mr. Quimby's suggestion of Quentin Quincy Quimby was better. These books have made me laugh so much on the adult re-read. They are clever.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh book in the Ramona series is called Ramona Forever.
Ramona is still in the third grade, but there are a lot of changes coming to the Quimby's and their friends the Kemps.
Howie uncle in visiting, and Ramona does not like him.
We also lose a beloved family member in this book.
Of course the big news is the arrival of a new Quimby. Ramona receives a new sibling.
I have enjoyed reading this series and watching Ramona grow from a pest to a young lady.
Beverly Cleary was a great writer and I will always be a fan.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ramona books - I read them when I was little in the 1970s, and just finished reading them with my 5 year old. He loves them all, too! She's just as loveable in the two "newer" books - Ramona Forever and Ramona's World, as she is in the original 5 or so books.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I was such a huge fan of the Ramona series as a child, I was surprised to find out recently that there are two Ramona books that I had never read. I just missed this one as by the time it came out, I had already moved on to Young Adult fiction. While I am happy to see that Ramona has matured and become a really "good kid", I have to say that a part of me missed her antics from earlier years. Another big difference in this book is that the focus is less on Ramona's school life and more on her home life. There are some humorous moments in this tale, and some touching ones, as well. SPOILER ALERT***** Beezus and Ramona develop more of a bond as they deal with the arrival of a new sibling, the death of the famiy pet (poor Picky-picky!), and being bridesmaids in their aunt's wedding. Definitely a "must-read" for fans of Cleary and the Ramona series.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I know there's a book that comes after this one, this one seemed to be more of a Ramona reunion type of thing--what are the Quimbys up to now, years later, kind of thing. Of course that doesn't make complete sense since it follows directly chronologically to the previous books in the series, but since it was written years after the original series, in that sense it does. But the factors that contribute to that feeling are the more significant--that there's a lot more attention on Aunt Beatrice getting married than on the antics of Ramona. Ramona's growing up, so she's not as cute and funny any more, seems to be the feeling, so the attention drifts to other things--mother having a baby and her perceptions of her to-be uncle. I had some other wonders about the treatment of a mother having a baby and her not telling the children. I'm sure every family is different, but it really didn't make much sense that the parents should keep it a secret from the children for so long and yet tell them to be careful around her. Having been a child at the time this was written, and having a mother who was pregnant, I know that wasn't the sentiment of the 80s when mothers were pregnant. But that might be just my family. Otherwise, the story is pretty engaging, and there are funny things throughout that might keep a child's attention. But generally it seemed the value was more nostalgic for the Quimbys than anything.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've blown through the Henry Huggins and now the Ramona books with my third grade boy. The seventh book in the Ramona series had Ramona growing into a mature third grader. Gone is the annoying Ramona from the Henry Huggins books and the earlier Ramona books and I did miss her. She has grown more self-reflective and self-controlled and has become quite a good kid. The earlier books had reminded me of my youngest child, who fits the bill of the annoying younger sister. My son and I have taken to calling her Ramona. However, with this book in the series Ramona has matured, that she was more like my third-grade son, who has turned from an annoying boy into a pretty good kid too. I like third grade! This book wasn't as funny as the earlier books that had me cracking up in hysterical laughter, but I did like it just the same.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate to say this, but I didn't like this book as much as the others. It felt like the spark had gone out of Ramona, as if Ms. Cleary were writing this because she felt she should, rather than becuase she was inspired to. It felt forced. Again, most of Ramona's predicaments are now more due to bad luck and accidents as opposed to conscious decisions, which isn't as interesting, nor does it teach many lessons to her young readers. The wedding felt forced. The new baby felt forced. It's as if Ms. Cleary has run out of ideas, so she threw in several standard tropes to see if any would stick. I don't know that I believe the Quimbys would decide to have another child when they're in such financial straits. Aunt Beatrice moving to Alaska seemed very random. The book just felt flat.

[Beth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the most perfect realistic fiction books I've ever read!

"Growing up is hard work."

"She thought about loose teeth, real sore throats, quarrels, misunderstandings with her teachers, longing for a bicycle her family could not afford, worrying when her parents bickered, how terrible she had felt when she hurt Beezus's feeling without meaning to, and all the long afternoons when Mrs. Kemp looked after her until her mother came from work. She had survived it all."

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to get a little bogged down. I want more of the wacky Ramona who throws her own birthday party and bakes her doll in the oven. Ramona is getting more and more like Beezus.

I do like seeing how Ramona's life progresses as she gets older. She is such a lovable, relatable character. One gets the feeling that Cleary meant this to be the last in the series. I can't help but wonder where Henry Huggins is, though. It would have been great to include him. I am sure he turned out quite fine.

[Mary Whisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s odd choosing how many stars to give. I didn’t read it when I was a child—in fact, it was published after I finished law school—so I didn’t turn to it out of nostalgia. I didn’t read it WITH a child, either, so I don’t know how a kid would react. But it was pleasant and sometimes funny and wove in some good lessons about dealing with common emotions (feeling left out, sibling rivalry, worry). And it’s part of Beverly Cleary’s impressive body of work. So 5 stars.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the nostalgia book I chose for the PopSugar Reading Challenge. It was even more nostalgic than I thought it would be!! I remember how in elementary school it felt like Ramona and I were always on the same wavelength - I’m STILL irritated by Uncle Hobart’s teasing! A fun blast from my past.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I see a three way mirror I still look for the million Brendas that go on forever. I loved this book and I loved reading it to Autumn. Another classic that has held up the test of time and shows that some childhood worries span generations.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this more than some of the others. It wasn’t quite so episodic which helped. I really enjoyed Howie’s uncle and Ramona’s aunt. And the new addition to the family. I liked that Beezus and Ramona were a bit closer in this one as well.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could almost be subtitled "Ramona Goes Soft." I guess there's a point where a cute, spunky, little girl either has to become thoughtful and nice, or she turns into a juvenile delinquent.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just not a lot new to say when one goes straight through all the Ramona books. Except they are brilliant. And wonderful.

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Came across my 2003 school reading log, so figured I should enter these books in too. In the words of my ten-year-old self, this book was: "Really good, pretty easy"

[Hannah Garden]

Such a good read for bedtime.

[Kayla Nightser · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books hold up! Loving reading these with my kids and they don’t want to stop at just one (very long) chapter because they want to see what happens next. The only thing I’ve had to say “back in the old days” about was holding your newborn baby in the front seat with you while driving 😂

[Frog]

These are the only books besides Diary of a Wimpy Kid with realistic kid characters instead of good role models.
You can tell that's the case when adults review it and say they don't like it because the characters are "brats."

I always laugh really hard at the scene when the uncle comes over. The kids' reactions are actually pretty realistic. Sitting on the accordion is a thing that would definitely happen.

They should've made this a cartoon instead of a lame live action movie.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of changes in the Quimby family, from a departing cat, to a new pregnancy and an upcoming wedding. Ramona and Beezus have to learn to get along together a little better, especially with all the changes happening. There’s a lot for Ramona to process, and she shows how much she’s grown by her careful thinking through of all the new situations. Another great entry in this series.

[Sam Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made me cry a little bit? I got very emotional about Picky Picky and I really appreciated the gravity given to that scene. Lots of big changes in this one and it was dealt with the amount of delicacy and kindness that I've come to expect from this author. And these books are just so charming and funny. I think there's only one book left and I'll be sad when its over!

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

In what feels like a conclusion to the series, Ramona deals with some big family changes: a death, a wedding, a birth. It feels heavier than the slice-of-life tone of the previous books, but Cleary manages to keep it flowing along smoothly with doses of humor and joy and gives a nice snapshot of family life.

[Settare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite Ramonas, I absolutely loved the part where the girls and Howie and uncle Hobart go shopping for the wedding and get ice cream. Reading it felt almost as good as eating ice cream myself.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleary has such an incredible gift for seeing the world through the eyes of a child. In rereading this book I was so struck by her respect for children. It is no wonder that these books still resonate with readers today.

[virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the quimby family stays undefeated! here’s to more realistic books about average kids in working/true middle class families. and to finding immense comfort in childhood classics revisited as an adult.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finished Ramona Forever! Tessa likes this one because of the illustrations. Roberta, the new baby sister, is her favorite addition. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 from #tessa717. #bookstagram #bookish #youngreader #readtogether #booklover #ramonaquimby #bookishlove #yalit #childrenslit

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to do a reread so will review at that time.

[Katy-Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

RIP Picky Picky. You would’ve loved laser pointers.

[Emily]

Ramona forever ✊🏻