I hadn’t read this since my own childhood, but it was fun to revisit the Quimbys (along with Henry Huggins and his dog, Ribsy).  

Some things have changed since 1955–gender roles have become much more flexible. “Gay” is no longer a synonym for happy. Most strikingly, children are just not generally allowed nearly as much freedom as they were then–Beezus (age nine) takes her younger sister (age four) to the library with no adult accompaniment, and leaves her to her own devices in a park while she goes to her art class.  

But many things haven’t changed–older siblings are supposed to be responsible, younger siblings can be incredibly annoying, and family relationships can be difficult. This is the only book of the series told from Beezus’ point of view–the subsequent novels focus on her younger sister, Ramona, as she grows up. It’s pretty easy, here at least, to relate to the responsible, sensible, worried Beezus. 

There’s not much of a plot–each chapter is episodic, as Ramona wreaks havoc at art class, destroys a library book, has an unauthorized party, and so on. Worst of all is when she wrecked not one, but two birthday cakes for Beezus. Beezus in turn struggles with guilt as she realizes that she doesn’t always love her little sister. (Frankly, I wouldn’t either–the kid is pretty exasperating. Fortunately, she does improve in the sequels, although she could never be described as an easy personality.)  

It’s a book that stands the test of time; the characters are psychologically accurate and feel relevant, even almost seven decades later. Beverly Cleary lived up until 2021, age 104–may her charming, subtly humorous books continue to entertain and inspire children (and adults) for many more years.

NOVEL: Beezus and Ramona

AUTHOR: Beverly Cleary

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 1955

IMAGE: Book cover, HarperCollins