This title tells a little of the history of Emily Dickinson from the perspective of a little girl who moves into the house across the street from her. Emily is known as "The Myth" to the people around town - she's reclusive and antisocial. However, she invites the little girl's mother to play piano for her; the little girl comes along to Emily's house and meets her.

This book does go off into some fanciful, poetic language while attempting to describe poetry. The father of the little girl compares music to poetry fairly abstractly - it definitely won't work for a primary crowd. I mean, the language is lovely, it's just too abstract for the intended audience, I think. This story would best work with an intermediate level group who're learning about poetry and/or Emily Dickinson.

The really amazing thing about the book is the illustrations. Just absolutely beautiful. The detail of Emily's house, the snowy scenes, the image of lonely Emily sitting on the stairs ... really breathtaking. ( )

Grades 2-5. Story about poet about young Emily Dickinson. Reality and Fantasy. Poeticically written. ( )

a neighbor named Emily is visited by a mother and her child. Emily enjoys staying in her house and writing poems, when a gift exchange occurs. The novel encludes detailed illustrations and it is very enjoyable. It is a good read aloud book.