The Ramona books grew out of Cleary's earlier Henry Huggins series and take place in the same neighborhood.

Then in 1968, having concluded the Henry Huggins series, Cleary returned to focus on the two sisters in Ramona the Pest.

Librarian Kathleen Odean appreciates Ramona's fearless attitude, calling her "irrepressible" and saying "She represents the kind of girl who has not been subdued by adults or the world in general.

"Through Ramona, Cleary touches young readers on an emotional level which engages and challenges, but does not overwhelm.

"[1] Though now considered a standard for realistic children's fiction, Beverly Cleary's books were unique in their time.

But when Cleary wrote from Ramona's point of view, all of the little girl's actions made perfect sense.

[a][9] "It is greatly significant that today the Ramona series still sells in many languages and countries across the globe - reaching out to ordinary kids (and their annoying little sisters) - and their extraordinary common misunderstandings about the world - everywhere.

"[10] As The Essential Guide to Children's Books and Their Creators says, Beverly Cleary "remains one of those rare authors who are both critically acclaimed and immensely popular with young readers.