Ramona Quimby is the protagonist of the novel and lead character in Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series. As the novel opens, Ramona is on the cusp of a major change in her life as she prepares for her first day of third grade in a new school. Her feet have grown, and so has her maturity—she exhibits better control of her impulses and more self-awareness of her place in her family and in the world. Ramona is proud of her age and seeks to act like a grown-up most of the time. She dislikes it when people treat her like a child. However, Ramona resents some of her grown-up responsibilities, like spending each afternoon entertaining Willa Jean Kemp so that her mother can work and her father can attend class.

Ramona’s third-grade year brings changes in her relationships as well. Howie Kemp, once Ramona’s best friend, fades into the background as he spends time with his new friends. A conflict on the school bus with Danny evolves into a friendship and Ramona’s first crush, as Danny appreciates Ramona’s spunky individualism and confidence. Teacher relationships are important to Ramona, and her new teacher Mrs. Whaley confounds her from day one.