Another Day as Emily

March 31, 2014
Spinelli’s third novel in verse (after Summerhouse Time and The Dancing Pancake) explores identity, friends, and family with perception and humor. The fast-moving story is told in the fresh voice of Suzy Quinn, who is jealous of the attention heaped on her four-year-old brother, Parker, after he calls 911 to summon help for an elderly neighbor. Spinelli gives Suzy credible dimension as she reacts to Parker’s newfound celebrity (“I really don’t know/ how much more/ of this little hero stuff/ I can take”) and then to the news that her brother has gone missing, derailing her 12th birthday plans (“What kind of sister am I?/ Mad that Parker is missing/ instead of worried”). Suzy’s sense of self is further shaken when she fails to land a role in a play, which leads her to mimic—with amusing vigilance—the lifestyle of Emily Dickinson and shun family and friends. Spinelli tempers Suzy’s melancholy with her inadvertent wittiness (“Who could have thought/ being a recluse/ could be so/ exhausting!”) to create a thoughtful, reflective story. Art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Illustrator’s agency: MB Artists.

April 1, 2014
Spinelli's free verse presents a summer of self-acceptance for one girl. Suzy is almost 12 when her 4-year-old brother sees their elderly neighbor collapse. He dials 911 and becomes a "little hero" in their town. Suddenly everything revolves around him, and no one seems to care about Suzy's needs. Worse, she doesn't get a part in the community play, but her best friend, Alison, does. Suzy is feeling decidedly unloved and decides that her best bet is to emulate a poet she has recently learned about--Emily Dickinson. Suzy insists on being called Emily and makes a list of Emily-appropriate activities (write poems, dust, read, listen to crickets). But Suzy soon finds that being a recluse is a lonely occupation. Lots of white space on the page, short chapters and appealing illustrations make this an unintimidating read for even the most reluctant readers. And besides, it's a rollicking good story. Spinelli mixes dollops of wit with her dabs of pathos to keep things lively and realistic in a fresh way that nevertheless feels comfortably old-fashioned. The interspersed bits of history (the origin of baseball, some famous people of the 1800s) and wholesome activities (bicycle riding, helping neighbors, going to the library) make this a story to be enjoyed and appreciated by readers weary of the mall-shopping, cellphone-centric, mean-girl genre. A witty and endearing story with a timeless message. (Verse fiction. 9-12)

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May 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-After her five-year-old brother has been labeled "a little hero" for making a lifesaving 911 call, Suzy struggles to find relevance in her own life. Bad luck is coloring her whole summer, and she responds by emulating the day-to-day life of Emily Dickinson, whom she has been researching for her library project. The old tomboy Suzy loved baseball, riding her bike, and engaging in friendships with people of all ages and interests. As Emily, she wears only long white dresses, never leaves the house, and tries to find meaning in the domestic arts. Being Emily proves to be more challenging than Suzy ever imagined, and eventually she's not sure how to start being herself again. Spinelli sensitively explores the complexity of Suzy's feelings during a challenging time in her life. Middle-grade readers will relate to her familial frustrations, as well as her growing self-awareness and its impact on social dynamics. Spinelli's novel-in-verse approach creates a gentle, quiet atmosphere for this contemplative novel, though the verse is more successful in tone than as poetry. The condensed format makes it an excellent choice for reluctant readers.-Juliet Morefield, Multnomah County Library, OR

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Grades 4-6 Eleven-year-old Suzy is proud of her little brother for calling 911 when their neighbor collapses. But after Parker gets a write-up in the paper, a citation, and a ride in the Fourth of July parade, Suzy is ready for everyone to move on already. Then Parker screws up Suzy's birthday: he sees a TV story about a fire and people needing help, so he tries to find them, getting lost in the process. Parker is located, but too late for Suzy's trip to a Phillies' game. So she takes to her room, both literally and literarily; Suzy assumes the persona of recluse Emily Dickinson. Spinelli's free-verse structure may make things easier for reluctant readers, but the breaks occasionally seem awkward. That said, kids, especially those who have had a sibling in the spotlight, will identify with Suzy's feelings. Adventurous readers may want to pursue some of the same paths as Suzy: poetry, Dickinson, the 1800s, and baseball. There are also satisfying relationships between Suzy, her friends, and family. This is a short book where a whole lot happens.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)