Beezus Quimby wants to be a good older sister, but little Ramona makes it so hard. She has to be the most embarrassing sister ever. Although Ramona isn't trying to get into trouble, her unmatchable imagination usually carries her there.

Six-year-old Ramona tries to cope with an unsympathetic first-grade teacher. In this touching and funny story, the ebullient Ramona, feeling brave and grown-up, enters first grade. Quickly she finds that her new teacher, Mrs. Griggs, appears perplexed by pupils who like to be different. Since Ramona cannot help being different, clearly the two are incompatible. Nevertheless, Ramona can be counted on to keep things lively. Enraged when Susan copies...

Ramona at 7 1/2 sometimes feels discriminated against by being the youngest in the family.

Ramona's year in third grade is highlighted by the arrival of Howie's rich uncle, a change in her after-school situation, a surprise wedding, a death and a new arrival in the family, and her father's getting a job.