The Mouse of Amherst

by Elizabeth Spires (Author)

The Mouse of Amherst
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
When a mouse named Emmaline takes up residence in poetess Emily Dickinson's bedroom, she wonders what it is that keeps Emily scribbling at her writing table. Emmaline sneaks a look, and finds that it's poetry! Inspired, Emmaline writes her first poem and secretly deposits it on Emily's desk. Illustrations.
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Review quotes

"A mouse becomes the perfect poetic companion to the reclusive poet Emily Dickinson in this heartfelt daydream from Spires." —Kirkus Reviews

"Filled with ardency and wit." —Starred, Publishers Weekly

"A sweetly written invitation to view life as more than crumb gathering and cheese nibbling." —The New York Times Book Review

"When the small mouse Emmaline moves into the Dickinson household, she accidentally reads some scraps of verse penned by Emily. Reading poems inspires the rodent to write her own lines on the back of Emily's paper, and to leave it for the poet to find. Thus the two become 'pen pals'...This diminutive little book, with its shy black-and-white line drawings and amusing plot, is an idel introduction to Dickinson's poetry. It's also a strong advocate for the power of the written word." —Kirkus Reviews

"Emmaline's newfound enthusiasm and interpretations of Dickinson's poetry will likely coinside with reader's own responses. A brief afterword with biographical information explains just how this clever novel unmasks the 'mouse.'" —Starred, Publishers Weekly

Elizabeth Spires

Elizabeth Spires lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Claire A. Nivola has illustrated several children's books. She lives in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts.

Classification
-
ISBN-13
9780374454111
Lexile Measure
900
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Publication date
April 09, 2001
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002180 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, etc.
Library of Congress categories
Mice
Poetry
Dickinson, Emily
Young Hoosier Book Award
Nominee 2001 - 2001
Massachusetts Children's Book Award
Nominee 2001 - 2002

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