Ramona and Her Mother

Discuss Ramona’s reactions to disappointment and hurt feelings. What lessons does she learn about coping and resilience through misadventures and misunderstandings?

Trace the theme of empathy in the story. How do compassion and understanding affect the characters’ relationships?

Consider Ramona’s evolving relationship with Beezus. How are their interactions in this book different from those in earlier books in the series? How does strengthening her ties with Beezus help Ramona better understand her mother?

How does Beverly Cleary use humor to address more serious topics in the novel?

In what ways does Ramona’s behavior reflect her feelings about her family situation?

Discuss the effects of the shifting family dynamics on Mrs. Quimby. How does her character highlight the challenges of balancing work and family life?

Analyze the book’s portrayal of traditional gender roles. How do Mr. and Mrs. Quimby uphold but subvert these roles? How does this dynamic affect their children’s perception of them?

Ramona values her relationships with her teachers. How is her relationship with Mrs. Rudge different from those with her previous teachers? What does she learn from Mrs. Rudge?