Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli

Summary of Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli "Taut, fast-paced, economical, devoid of sham, Spinelli’s book echoes Dickinson’s own deceptive simplicity."--The New York Times Book Review Eleven-year-old Suzy just can't win. Her brother is a local hero for calling 911 after seeing their elderly neighbor collapse, and only her best friend was able to win a role in the play they both auditioned for. Feeling cast aside from all angles, Suzy sees a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson, the subject of her summer project. Suzy decides to escape from her disappointments by emulating the poet's life of solitude: no visitors or phone calls (only letters delivered through her window), no friends (except her goldfish, Ottilie), and no outings (except church, but only if she can wear her long white Emily dress). But being a recluse is harder than Suzy predicted. Will she find a way to fold Emily into her life while also remaining true to herself? (Goodreads.com)

Swishing Funny how a dress can change how you feel. When I wear Mom’s black dress, I feel more like the witch in Snow White. Now, slipping into Mrs. Harden’s white dress, I feel kind of like Emily Dickinson, more able to focus on her life. I stand in front of the mirror. I turn, swishing. I swish over to Ottilie’s tank. “Want to learn about Emily Dickinson?” I say. Ottilie swishes her tail. That has to mean yes. I start reading about Emily. Aloud. (Page 118)

Call Me Emily At lunch, I make my announcement. “Call me Emily from now on.” Parker gives me a look. “Huh?” Dad butters a roll, says: “Suzy’s pretending to be Emily Dickinson.” I let the word “pretending” slide. “Who’s Emily Dickensomething?” asks Parker? “A famous poet,” says Dad. “From long ago.” “Oh,” says Parker, no longer interested. Mom curtsies. “And what would Emily like to drink with lunch?” “Hot tea,” I say in my new Emily voice. “Cup and saucer, please. No mug.” (Page 153-154)

Recluse-ing at Church It’s as hard being a recluse at church as it is at home. Everyone in church is friendly. A couple people ask about the dress. “From the thrift shop,” I tell them. They are polite. They don’t ask any more questions. The pastor’s wife says that I look “quite pretty.” The custodian asks if there’s a wedding he doesn’t know about on today’s schedule. He chuckles at his own humor. Mom says I can skip Sunday School and stay for the sermon, which I do. Afterward, I sit in the car while the rest of the family heads for the coffee hour. I see gilbert and his mom walking across the parking lot. I crouch down so they won’t notice me. Finally we go home. I race to my room, shut the door, and flop on the bed. Who would have thought being a recluse could be so exhausting. (Page 166-167)

Extension Suzy said it’s funny how a dress can change how you feel. Do you agree or disagree about a piece of clothing or shoes being able to transform your mood or attitude? Why? The author describes the dress as swishing. If you were to write another poem with the title “Swishing,” what would it be about that also makes that sound? Think creatively! Write a line of the poem. “Hot tea,” I say in my new Emily voice. “Cup and saucer, please. No mug.” If the author were to add a dialogue tag about how Suzy said these commands, what would be a descriptive tag? (Not “said”) What seems “exhausting” about being a recluse?