Rating: 
Summary: A Childhood Treasure About Sisterly Love
Review: This was one of my very first chapter books, given to me in the first grade, and it left such a lasting impression on me. I literally read it to pieces throughout my elementary school years, and even had two little dolls that I re-named Beezus and Ramona, who I used to act out many of the stories. Each hilarious chapter about another mess Ramona causes for her big sister Beezus (my favorite was Ramona's first trip to the library, and her disastrous attempt to claim a beloved book for her very own) can stand on it's own. But connecting the different segments is a more complex running plotline about Beezus' horrible secret - sometimes she gets so mad at her little sister that she doesn't love her at all! Oh, the horror! :-) After suffering through one embarrassing misadventure after another at the hands of her infuriating sister, Beezus finally confesses to her mother and her favorite aunt about the "wicked" thoughts she's had about Ramona. Expecting them to be shocked, she is stunned when both burst out laughing and begin reminiscing about their own childhood, when they had some not so loving moments themselves. Yes, even Mother and Aunt Beatrice, who are now the best of friends, experienced sibling rivalry. It's a tremendous relief to Beezus to learn that it's okay not to get along with Ramona all the time, and she realizes that along with the annoying times, she and her sister share plenty of affectionate moments as well. Originally published in the 1950s, some things are obviously rather dated, but as a child of the 1970's I could completely relate to these two little girls. I am sure kids today can also, especially if they have younger sisters!
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