The book's title is derived from the characterization of Ramona as a "pest" by many, including her older sister Beatrice, known as "Beezus."

Other illustrators have since updated Ramona the Pest, including Alan Tiegreen, Tracy Dockray, and Jacqueline Rogers.

Ramona really wants to pull on one of those curls and watch it bounce back and forth, but when she finally does she gets sent to the bench until recess is over.

Ramona chases him at recess, trying to catch and kiss him, which she finally manages to accomplish when she participates in the Halloween parade when she is "the baddest witch in the world."

Ramona won't go to class without Miss Binney, so she hides behind the trash cans with Ribsy the dog.

Nothing anyone says to her can change her mind until she gets a letter from Miss Binney returning the tooth she lost at school the day she was suspended and Ramona decides Miss Binney must like her and is happy to return to kindergarten.

"[3] Choosing Books for Kids says that in Ramona the Pest "Cleary rings true and touches sixes and sevens feelings and funny bones."

"[8] In 2012 it was ranked number 24 on a list of the top 100 children's novels published by School Library Journal.