I read this book because I recently listened to a podcast on Judy Blume. However, when I went to the library to get "Are You There God? Its Me Margaret" I realized I'd already read this book. So Beverly Cleary it was.

I would've enjoyed Beezus and Ramona a lot more as kid, I think. It's definitely for younger readers, and its sweet that the themes are so pure. No cyberbullying here, just good old fashioned children's problems, like Beezus asking "Why can't I love my little sister?" Cleary writes about sewing potholders for favorite aunts, for goodness sakes. Definitely a reminder of simpler times.

That being said, I definitely identified with Beezus. Ramona annoyed me so much. (!!!!!) Why does that child had to take things so literally, like putting heads in ovens and locking dogs in bathrooms? As I kept reading, I realized.. maybe thats why I didn't read Beezus and Ramona. Gives me too much anxiety :)

Quotes:
Beezus looked uncertain. It was a nice change to have a grownup tell her she didn't have to be neat, but she didn't understand how she could paint a good picture unless she worked at it. If only she had some imagination, like Ramona - but no, Miss Robbins said everybody had imagination. Well, if she had imagination, where was it? (page 54)