Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist's emotional journey. However, some readers find the narrative pacing slow and the resolution somewhat unsatisfying. Overall, it is lauded for its tender portrayal of friendship and resilience, appealing to both young readers and adults.

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo appeals to readers aged 10-14 who enjoy emotionally resonant, character-driven stories. Similar to Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, it beautifully explores themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth.

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo is a middle-grade novel set in Florida in 1975, following 10-year-old Raymie Clark, who, in an attempt to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire pageant and bring her estranged father back, forms an unexpected but deep friendship with two girls, Beverly Tapinski and Louisiana Elefante, as they navigate personal struggles and missions that reveal the strength of their bond. The book addresses themes of parental abandonment, grief from a neighbor's death, and poverty.

Heartwarming / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Emotional / Nostalgic

- Raymie Nightingale was a National Book Award Finalist in 2016, highlighting its critical acclaim.
- The story is set in the mid-1970s, a decade that DiCamillo chose to reflect a more personal connection to the era of her own youth.
- Kate DiCamillo often incorporates animals into her narratives, and in Raymie Nightingale, a rabbit named Buddy plays a memorable supporting role.

**Raymie Clarke**  
A 10-year-old girl dealing with her father's departure, who seeks emotional growth and friendship through baton-twirling classes.

**Louisiana Elefante**  
An imaginative young orphan with angelic features, who often lives in a hopeful fantasy world to cope with her hardships.

**Beverly Tapinski**  
A tough and independent young girl with a skeptical view of life who initially seeks to sabotage a local contest.

**Ida Nee**  
A former baton-twirling champion who, despite her harsh demeanor and lack of patience for children, provides lessons to Raymie, Louisiana, and Beverly.

**Mrs. Borkowski**  
Raymie’s quirky elderly neighbor and spiritual guide known for her eccentric behavior and philosophical stories.

**Mrs. Sylvester**  
The secretary at Raymie’s father’s insurance company, who offers warmth, comfort, and optimistic support.

**Mr. Staphopoulos**  
Raymie's lifesaving coach, who imparts important skills and relaxation techniques that help guide her actions.

**Jim Clarke**  
Raymie's absent father who left with a younger woman, serving as the initial catalyst for her journey.

**Mrs. Clarke**  
Raymie’s emotionally unavailable mother, struggling with her husband's abandonment and consumed by her own grief.

**Rhonda Tapinski**  
Beverly's mother, a former beauty queen prone to frustration, whose actions indirectly affect Beverly's motivations.

**Granny**  
Louisiana’s eccentric, loving grandmother who creates a safe and joyful world amidst their challenging circumstances.

**Ruthie**  
The compassionate hospital nurse who provides warmth and reality checks to Raymie and her companions.

**Isabelle**  
A spicy resident of the Golden Glen Nursing Home whose dismissive nature inadvertently leads Raymie into pivotal adventures.

Kate DiCamillo

Middle grade

Novel

Three Rancheros

Fiction

Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4 

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 1-4  Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-16

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 10-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-25

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-30

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-35

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-43

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 36-43 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 44-47

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 44-47 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 48-51

Raymie Nightingale Chapters 48-51 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Raymie Nightingale Character Analysis

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Themes

Raymie Nightingale Themes

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Raymie Nightingale Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Raymie Nightingale Important Quotes

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Raymie Nightingale

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