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TL;DR: Ramona Quimby is now eight and starting third grade at a new school. Her father has gone back to college, so money is tight, and Ramona must be on her best behavior and get along with a younger neighbor after school. She cracks a raw egg on her head, overhears her teacher call her a nuisance and gets sick in class, but she also learns about family love.
Table of Contents
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 at a Glance
| Author | Beverly Cleary |
| First published | 1981 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a warm, funny story about family and growing up |
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a children's novel by Beverly Cleary, published in 1981. It won a Newbery Honor in 1982. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes mild illness and family stress.
Main Characters
- Ramona Quimby: An imaginative eight-year-old.
- Beezus Quimby: Ramona's older sister.
- Mr. Quimby: Ramona's father, a college student again.
- Mrs. Whaley: Ramona's third-grade teacher.
- Willa Jean: A younger girl Ramona has to put up with.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A new school
Ramona starts third grade at Cedarhurst School and takes the bus for the first time. Her father has quit his job to train as an art teacher, and her mother works full time. The family must be careful with money. After school, Ramona goes to the Kemps' house, where she must be nice to bossy little Willa Jean.
The egg
A fad at school is to bring hard-boiled eggs in lunch and crack them on your head. Ramona's mother gives her a raw egg by mistake, and it runs into her hair. In the office, Ramona overhears Mrs. Whaley call her a “show-off” and a “nuisance.” She is hurt and decides that her teacher does not like her.
Sick
Feeling unwell, Ramona throws up in class and is mortified. She spends a day at home, feeling sorry for herself. She does a book report on a dull book as a TV commercial for cat food, which her classmates love. Mrs. Whaley praises her, and Ramona begins to feel better about school.
A rainy Sunday
One gray Sunday, the Quimbys are all grumpy. Beezus and Ramona argue, and their parents are tired. They decide to go out for dinner at a burger restaurant. An elderly man in the restaurant notices how nicely the girls behave and secretly pays their bill, telling them to look after their family.
Family love
The kind gesture makes the Quimbys see how lucky they are to have each other. Ramona realizes that her family is happy, even if they are not rich and even when they quarrel. She learns that Mrs. Whaley does like her after all. Ramona grows a little more confident and kind.
5 Key Takeaways
- Families face hard times together.
- Misunderstandings can hurt feelings.
- Being patient with others is hard but important.
- Creativity can turn a dull task into fun.
- Small acts of kindness can change a day.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Every family has quarrels and still loves each other.
- Growing up means seeing other people's points of view.
- You do not need money to be happy together.
Who Should Read Ramona Quimby, Age 8?
Read Ramona Quimby, Age 8 if you are a young reader who enjoys funny, realistic family stories. It suits ages 7 to 10.
About Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary (1916–2021) was an American children's author whose books about Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins and Ralph S. Mouse have sold millions of copies. She grew up in Portland, Oregon, the setting for many of her books. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 won a Newbery Honor, and Cleary won the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Ramona Quimby, Age 8:
- Why is Ramona upset with Mrs. Whaley?
- How does the family cope with money worries?
- Why does the man in the restaurant pay their bill?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Ramona Quimby, Age 8, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is funny, warm and true to life.
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What to Read Next
- Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary: Ramona's kindergarten year
- Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary: Ramona's family faces job loss
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park: another funny, lively schoolgirl
Related: Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary: Summary and Key Takeaways · Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ramona Quimby, Age 8 about?
Ramona starts third grade while her family faces money worries.
Who wrote it?
Beverly Cleary, in 1981.
How old is Ramona?
Eight.
Why does Ramona crack an egg on her head?
It is a fad, but she gets a raw egg by mistake.
Who is Willa Jean?
A younger girl Ramona must be nice to after school.
Did it win awards?
Yes, a Newbery Honor in 1982.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, the Ramona books.
What age is it for?
About 7 to 10.
How long is it?
About 190 pages.
Is it funny?
Yes, very.
Where is it set?
Portland, Oregon.
Is there a film?
Ramona and Beezus (2010) uses parts of the series.
Can I read it without the earlier books?
Yes. Each Ramona book stands on its own.
Is Ramona Quimby, Age 8 worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a warm, funny story about family and growing up. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.