Suzy has reached her limit. Her 4 year old brother is the town hero for calling 911 when their neighbor, Mrs. Harden suffers “a spell”. Attention is being heaped on him 24 hours a day, which Suzy views as an injustice since she was the one who comforted Mrs. Harden while they awaited the ambulance. To add insult to injury, Suzy’s best friend got a role in the community theater production while Suzy was passed over for any part at all. Suzy’s summer seems to be a total loss as her plans to see a Phillies game with her dad have fallen through. Inspired by a “Tween Time” library program, Suzy decides to live her life as Emily Dickenson did; wearing white dresses, staying in her room, and communicating with friends via written letters only. She soon learns that the life a recluse is harder than she thought. ( )

Emily's brother is deemed a hero after calling 911 and saving someone's life, and Emily is jealous. Emily, hence, is searching for her recognition–for her place in the universe. She coaxes her friend Alison to sign up for Tween Time at the library and all summer they read about people from the 1800s. Emily chooses Emily Dickinson, and gets quite wrapped up in emulating the author's life out of the public eye. Alison coaxes Emily to audition for a play - and Emily is devastated when she doesn't get the part. Dealing with the ups and downs of daily life, this novel in verse is a quick read that introduces many important historical figures -- hence creating an opening for additional research. ( )