Book Review: Ramona and Her Father
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know this book deals with Ramona's father
losing his job, the family's money worries, and Ramona's mom
going to work full time. There is also heavy emphasis on
getting Ramona's dad to stop smoking.
Families can talk about how family situations can change, as well as smoking, health, and family unity. Why does Ramona want her father to stop smoking? Why does her father begin to act different?
Common Sense Media Review
RAMONA AND HER FATHER is a great Beverly Cleary classic.
Ramona is back and in the second grade, her sister Beezus is
lamenting a creative writing class, and her mother is trying to
find creative uses for leftovers when her father drops a bomb:
he lost his job.
Cleary brings us back into the warm Quimby home as they struggle to get things back to normal. The book is funny and heartwarming. We feel for Ramona as she struggles with trying to make sense of what's going on and why everyone in the house is so unhappy.
Ramona's drive to get her father to stop smoking is classic Ramona. And there are definitely moments you can tell this lovingly rambunctious girl is learning some life lessons. Like many kids, she has to have things just so, and when her mom makes a sheep costume for a Christmas play that doesn't live up to her expectations, her turnaround from disappointment to acceptance is a great lesson presented in an endearing, hilarious way.
Parents will love reading along with a classic they most likely read themselves.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
