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TL;DR: Ramona Quimby is five and finally old enough to start kindergarten. She loves her teacher, Miss Binney, and wants to be good, but her big imagination and bold ideas keep getting her into trouble. From pulling a classmate's curls to a Halloween parade disaster, Ramona's first school year is full of funny mistakes and lessons.
Table of Contents
Ramona the Pest at a Glance
| Author | Beverly Cleary |
| First published | 1968 |
| Type | Children's novel |
| Best for | young readers who want a funny, warm story about starting school |
Ramona the Pest is a children's novel by Beverly Cleary, published in 1968. It is the second book about Ramona and the first told from her own point of view. 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 school trouble and a lost tooth.
Main Characters
- Ramona Quimby: A lively, imaginative five-year-old.
- Beezus Quimby: Ramona's older sister.
- Miss Binney: Ramona's kind kindergarten teacher.
- Susan: A classmate with springy curls.
- Davy: A boy Ramona wants to kiss.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The first day
Ramona is thrilled to start kindergarten at Glenwood School. Miss Binney tells her to “sit here for the present,” and Ramona thinks she will get a present if she stays in her seat. She refuses to move at recess and is disappointed to learn what Miss Binney meant. Still, Ramona loves school and her teacher.
School life
Ramona learns to print her name and is proud of the little ears she adds to her “Q.” She chases Davy around the playground, trying to kiss him. During story time, she asks the question every child wonders about: how did Mike Mulligan go to the bathroom while digging all day? She tries hard to be good but often acts before thinking.
Boing-boing curls
Susan has long, springy curls that bounce when she moves. Ramona cannot resist pulling them and saying “boing!” Miss Binney warns her, but Ramona keeps doing it. Finally, she is sent home and refuses to return to school, because she thinks Miss Binney no longer loves her.
The Halloween parade
At Halloween, Ramona wears a scary witch costume and mask. She enjoys frightening others, but when she cannot find her friends and no one knows who she is, she becomes afraid of losing herself. She prints her name on a piece of paper and holds it up so everyone will know who she is. This shows how much she wants to be seen as herself.
Return to school
Ramona stays home, worried and stubborn. Her family tries to get her to return. Then Miss Binney sends a letter with Ramona's name and her special “Q” with ears, asking if she will come back soon. Ramona is delighted and decides to go back to school. She has learned that she can make mistakes and still be loved.
5 Key Takeaways
- Starting school can be exciting and confusing.
- Words can mean different things to adults and children.
- Wanting to be noticed can lead to trouble.
- Mistakes do not stop people from loving you.
- Being yourself is important.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Children see the world in their own way.
- Small acts of kindness from a teacher can mean a lot.
- Patience helps with growing up.
Who Should Read Ramona the Pest?
Read Ramona the Pest if you are a young reader starting school, or a parent looking for a funny, warm story to share. It suits ages 6 to 10.
About Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary (1916–2021) was an American children's author who worked as a librarian before writing. She created Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, Beezus and Ralph S. Mouse. Her books are set mostly in Portland, Oregon, near Klickitat Street. She won the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw and lived to the age of 104.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Ramona the Pest:
- Why does Ramona pull Susan's curls?
- Why is the Halloween mask scary for Ramona?
- How does Miss Binney help Ramona come back?
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 the Pest 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 the Pest, 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 gentle, funny and true to how young children think.
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What to Read Next
- Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary: the first book with Ramona and her sister
- Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary: Ramona's next school adventures
- Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park: another funny story about starting school
Related: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary: Summary and Key Takeaways · The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ramona the Pest about?
Ramona starts kindergarten and gets into funny trouble.
Who wrote it?
Beverly Cleary, in 1968.
How old is Ramona?
Five.
Who is Miss Binney?
Ramona's kindergarten teacher.
Why is Ramona sent home?
For pulling Susan's curls.
Does she go back to school?
Yes, after Miss Binney sends her a letter.
Is it part of a series?
Yes, the Ramona series.
What age is it for?
About 6 to 10.
How long is it?
About 200 pages.
Is it funny?
Yes, very.
Where is it set?
Portland, Oregon.
Is there a film?
Ramona and Beezus (2010) draws on the series.
Is Ramona the Pest good for reading aloud?
Yes. The short chapters and funny scenes make it a favorite read-aloud for families and classrooms.
Is Ramona the Pest worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for young readers who want a funny, warm story about starting school. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.