Jacqueline Rogers

"Ramona's job is to be nice to fussy Mrs. Kemp, who watches her while her mother works and her father takes classes at a nearby college. On top of all that, third grade isn't turning out as Ramona expected. Danny the Yard Ape teases her and, on one horrible day, she throws up -- at school. Being eight isn't easy, but at least it's never dull!" -- Back cover.

A deer describes its first year of life, with the difficulties of eating in winter and the joy of plenty when spring comes.

"The best year ever! That's what Ramona thought the fourth grade was going to be, but things aren't turning out as she hoped. Sure, she has a new best friend named Daisy. But how can she improve her spelling as her teacher insists, or be the role model for her baby sister, Roberta, that Mrs. Quimby expects? Fourth-grade life is full of adventure and challenges, and at the end of it all -- a 'zeroteenth' birthday to celebrate!" -- Back cover.

"Ramona's life changes the moment Howie Kemp's mysterious uncle arrives from overseas. That's when things start getting weird. Ramona's mother begins making secret phone calls and stops eating dessert. Aunt Bea is acting suspicious, too. And something is putting Beezus in awful moods lately! Whatever surprises are in store, Ramona is determined to stay cool. No matter what's going on around her, she can always count on herself -- wonderful, blunderful...