Another Day As Emily

In Spinelli's latest verse novel--light, engaging, and easy to read--Suzy, twelve, is having a summer full of challenges; when her birthday trip to see a Phillies game falls through, it's all too much for her, and she decides to emulate recluse Emily Dickinson. The ending is pat, but gentle rather than simplistic, and the resilience of the characters is nicely understated.

The summer Suzy Quinn turns twelve provides a natural backdrop for Spinelli's latest verse novel, the epitome of summer escapism -- light, engaging, and easy to read. When Suzy's kindly next-door neighbor has a "spell," Suzy's younger brother, Parker, smartly calls 911 and gets the needed medical help. He immediately becomes a little town hero, but with all the community's accolades, he also becomes a little attention-grabbing monster. In addition, Suzy has a problem with Alison, her BFF since second grade, who talks Suzy into trying out for a local play. Alison gets a part and Suzy doesn't. The one bright spot is thirteen-year-old Gilbert, who may be a good friend and may be a boyfriend; Suzy just doesn't know. When a planned birthday trip to see a Phillies game falls through, it's all too much for Suzy, and she decides to emulate Emily Dickinson. It's tough being a recluse, but with that I'll-cut-off-my-nose-to-spite-my-face conviction that only an almost-twelve-year-old can muster, Suzy becomes Emily: writing letters (unanswered) to her friends; cooking (unsuccessfully); and composing poems ("Time is a worm. / It crawls"). The ending is pat, but gentle rather than simplistic, and the resilience of the characters is nicely understated. betty carter