Beezus and Ramona

Beezus and Ramona

Bibliographic Information

Cleary, Beverly. Beezus and Ramona. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Reissue edition (October 6, 2009), Kindle.

Plot Description

Most kids know how annoying a little brother or sister can be and Beatrice “Beezus” Quimby is no different. Even though Beezus tries to be patient, her little sister Ramona can be very difficult. Beezus tries to help by taking Ramona to the library or to the park, but Ramona always seems to cause trouble for Beezus no matter where they go. Ramona has a talent for ruining Beezus’ day. But what happens when Ramona jeopardizes Beezus’ birthday!? Will Ramona get her way as usual? 

Quantitative Reading Level

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 8.1

Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease: 72.2

ATOS Level: 6.5

Qualitative Reading Level

Meaning: Low. Text contains a single level/layer of simple meaning. 

Structure: Low. The narrative structure is simple, explicit and chronological.

Language: Low. Text contains little or no use of figurative language or irony. The language is contemporary, familiar, conversational language that is explicit, literal and easy-to-understand.

Knowledge Demands. Low. Text explores a single theme. A single perspective is presented and everyday experiences are portrayed that are common to most readers. Text requires only common, everyday cultural/literacy knowledge. There are no references or allusions to other texts or cultural elements.

Content Area

English, Health

Subject Area Tag

English, Health, Reading for Pleasure: Chapter Books, Middle School or High School

Content Area Standard

New York State Content Area Standard (Grades K-5)

1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.

6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. 

7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

11. Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

Health Standard 2—A Safe and Healthy Environment: Family and Consumer Sciences, Elementary

1. Students will know the basic principles of home and community safety. They can demonstrate the skills necessary to maintain their homes and workplaces in a safe and comfortable condition. They can provide a safe and nurturing environment for themselves and others.

Curriculum Suggestions

• English: use as pleasure reading, or have students share their favorite books.
• Health: use to help kids understand that they are not alone, everyone can have annoying siblings at times

Links to Supporting Digital Content

Author website

www.beverlycleary.com

Optional:

I chose this book because I loved the Ramona books growing up. I actually loved anything by Beverly Cleary. I was excited to reread this and I’m looking forward to reading this to my kids over the summer. 

*photo obtained from Goodreads