The final book in the Ramona series (published in 1999), in which the title character is now in the fourth grade. The tone of the series is maintained, with the added dynamic of Ramona being the middle child, no longer the youngest in the family. She makes a new best friend, and their relationship is explored. Ramona’s peers are still stuck in the boys-are-yucky phase, but the spunky Ramona finds herself enjoying the attention of one of the boys in her class—this is handled with sensitivity and empathy. Overall, Cleary’s writing continues to be deeply validating of the feelings of children. My own ten-year-old, with whom I read this story out loud in 2024, enjoyed the book. I found it to be slightly bittersweet, mostly because it’s the end of Ramona’s story. ( )

I don't remember reading this one when I was a kid, even though I know I read it. I think even if I was in the proper age group I would have found this rather boring. ( )

I don't remember reading this one when I was a kid, even though I know I read it. I think even if I was in the proper age group I would have found this rather boring. ( )

Book 8 of 8 ( )