Beverly Cleary

Beezus' biggest problem is her 4-year-old sister Ramona. Even though Beezus knows sisters are supposed to love each other, with a sister like Ramona, it seems impossible.

The happy home life of Socks, the cat, is disrupted by the addition of a new baby to the household.

Henry Huggins makes a deal with his father--if Henry can keep his dog Ribsy out of trouble for a month, he can go fishing with his father. Ribsy does his best to make Henry lose the deal.

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

When Henry adopts Ribsy, a dog of no particular breed, humorous adventures follow.

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.

Six-year-old Ramona tries to cope with an unsympathetic first-grade teacher.

In his letters to his favorite author, ten-year-old Leigh reveals his problems in coping with his parents' divorce, being the new boy in school, and generally finding his own place in the world.

Emily's imagination helps bring a library to her town of Pitchfork, Oregon.

In a series of diary entries, Leigh tells how he comes to terms with his parents' divorce, acquires joint custody of an abandoned dog, and joins the track team at school.