A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson (by Barbara Dana)
common sense media says
Lovely first-person narration helps bring Dickinson to life.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although there is brief discussion between teenaged Emily and her friends about young men and what married life will be like, including intercourse, it is couched in normal and teen-appropriate language that may send today's teens into gales of laughter. Emily has vague romantic crushes, until at the age of 24 she hears a young minister preach and falls in love with him immediately, only to discover he is already married. Author notes explain that she did not meet him for years but they became close friends; and she notes that Emily also fell in love with other married men.
Educational value:
Very educational about 19th-century life and society; and the mind of young poet who went on to become a foremost American poet.
Positive role models:
Emily lives a privileged life in the mid-19th century, but begins to
chafe at the expectations women encountered in society, both pious and
cultural. She struggles with panic attacks, but vows to keep her own identity, works at her education, her poetry, and remains fairly optimistic through it all.
chafe at the expectations women encountered in society, both pious and
cultural. She struggles with panic attacks, but vows to keep her own identity, works at her education, her poetry, and remains fairly optimistic through it all.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
Emily describes the onset of menstruation at age 14 and her shock. With her close circle of friends, romantic crushes are discussed and curiousity about seeing a boy naked, and the physical act of intercourse. Later in life, Emily falls in love for the first time with a minister who is already married.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on A Voice of Her Own: Becoming Emily Dickinson
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Most useful reviews by all members
singer11
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
A Great book!
I read this book for school, and I really liked it!
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