Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things

Gr 6 Up–Claire and her father have recently moved to Amherst, Massachusetts, in the hope of starting a new life and putting the tragic events of the past behind them. Claire is grieving the death of her mother and the loss of her friend who went missing without a trace and is having trouble moving on. She finds comfort in the poetry of Emily Dickinson and senses her mother’s presence in the Dickinson house museum, especially by putting on Emily’s dress. When she is discovered wearing it, she is forced to run, leading to an adventure that helps her work through her grief, solve the mystery of her missing friend, and begin to look to the future. Written in first person, the story integrates the poetry of Emily Dickinson with the writings of the main character, which leads to a novel that is lyrical and refreshing in spite of the tragic events. Missing persons and suicide are dealt with in a delicate way, allowing readers to enjoy the action and suspense. Older, more advanced readers will appreciate the imagery, irony, and wit as well.–Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD