Becoming Emily

Emily Dickinson wrote short, often-enigmatic poems that are widely anthologized, quoted, and read by students of every age. Yet, as widely known as her poetry is, Dickinson as a person is considered to have been an inscrutable recluse—a silent figure who wore only white, wrote in secret, never left her home, and had no interest in sharing her poetry. In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she was fully engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly 18. Her family and friends were of the utmost importance to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with those closest to her. Including plentiful photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography, this indispensable resource offers a full portrait of this singular American poet.

“Emily Dickinson and her world come to life in this beautifully written, well-researched tribute to one of our great poets. Kids’ nonfiction at its best.” —Susanna Reich, Author of Minette’s Feast and José! Born to Dance

"With select poems, revealing passages from letters, and a richly detailed narrative, this thorough study is sure to entice middle-grade readers to explore one of the 19th century's greatest poets." - Kirkus Reviews

"An excellent companion for those reading or studying her poetry." --Booklist

Krystyna Poray Goddu holds a degree in comparative literature from Brown University. She has contributed to American Girl magazine, the New York Times Book Review, and the Riverbank Review of Books for Young Readers and is a regular reviewer of children’s books and writer for Publishers Weekly. She has worked at Woman’s Day magazine, was founding editor of Dolls magazine, and cofounded Reverie Publishing Company.