Ramona and Her Father

In this Newbery Honor book, Ramona and Her Father explores the impact of unemployment on a family through the eyes of spirited second-grader Ramona Quimby. When Mr. Quimby loses his job, the family faces financial hardship and emotional strain, leading Ramona to devise creative, often comical, schemes to help. The story gently addresses themes of family love, resilience, and a child's anxiety, while also touching on a parent's depression and a smoking habit. It's a heartwarming and humorous look at how a family navigates tough times together, with Ramona's antics providing both levity and poignant moments. Ideal for ages 8-12, it offers a realistic portrayal of family life and emotional challenges.

Lately Ramona had the terrible feeling that she was the only happy member of the Quimby family. Since her father lost his job, he seemed too worried to love her anymore. Ramona's mother and big sister Beezus had become awfully busy and and grouchy. Even Picky-picky, the family cat, was grumpy. He didn't like her new cheaper food and had eaten the Quimby's Halloween jack-o'-lantern instead. Ramona tried everything she could to make things better. With Beezus's help she launched a campaign to stop her father from smoking so much, but he didn't seem to appreciate it. Ramona also tried to act adorable, like kids in TV commercials. Mr. Quimby said the boy who sang the Whopperburger jingle made a million dollars year! Ramona wanted to make a million dollars, too, because then her father would surely be fun again. ---------- Also included in: - [The Trouble with Ramona and Beezus](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17377136W)