Ramona the Brave

Rating:
Summary: A light went on.
Review: This is my little girl. I read this with tears in my eyes because I could suddenly see her world.
It is simple, a quick read and completely free of psychobabble but after reading stacks of books on parenting and birth order issues, I finally got it!
I recommend this highly for parents of bright, elementary level children.
My kids liked it, too.

Rating:
Summary: Good place to start when reading Cleary
Review: This might be the best of the Ramona and Beezus books, because it captures the mindset of a six year old so perfectly. Ramona is a girl who tries to be good, but sometimes can't stop herself from being bad. She is interested in things like her own special version of the letter Q, which she dolls up to look like a kitty, or making a paper slipper during recess.

While the Quimby girls remain blissfully oblivious of some of the weightier problems that real life children might have to face at home, Ramona is an interesting realistic character who children will feel a kinship with. Her tribulations at school with classmates are particualrly relevant.

At 124 pages, the book is longer than most books targeted to this audience, but it will be a good challenge, and the chapters remain short and simple. If you're thinking of introducing a young reader to this prolific and popular author, this might be the best place to start.