Parents' Guide to

Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things

Book Kathryn Burak Emotions 2012
Emily's Dress and Other Missing Things Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Barbara Schultz By Barbara Schultz , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Emotional teen novel explores intense loss and grief.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

threelambs
threelambs Parent of 13-year-old
March 15, 2013
age 14+

"Emo" girl connects with Emily Dickinson

I think this would be particularly interesting for any teens who are familiar with Emily Dickinson's works or the town of Amherst and the Dickinson museum. This was a fun backdrop for the story of a modern day girl dealing with loss. The story tackles her mother's suicide, the disappearance of her best friend, and an innocent romance. Most of the tone is somber. The book has mature themes, but presented from the viewpoint of the main character, who is teetering between being a teen and an adult. The book touches on adult topics, but stays true to the interpretation of a mature teen aged girl. Historic references weave nicely into the modern world.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In EMILY'S DRESS AND OTHER MISSING THINGS, the protagonist, Claire, starts her senior year over at a new high school in the college town of Amherst, Mass. Claire and her dad have relocated, at least in part because they need to move past the painful events that occurred in their hometown of Providence, R.I.: the suicide death of Claire's mother, and the disappearance of her best friend, Richy. Claire's new English class is studying local poet Emily Dickinson and pays a visit to the museum installed in Dickinson's former home. Claire begins to make connections between Dickinson's poetry and her own feelings about death, and her mom. Her writings for class attract the attention and concern of a student teacher, Sam Tate, who encourages Claire to open up about her feelings and helps her find resolution.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This intensely emotional novel can be difficult to read at times; Claire struggles so much with her grief, retreating into herself, and often viewing the world through a very distorted lens. It's hard to watch her repeatedly run away, sputter, and try to tune out when things hurt too much. But by the same token, the book deals with extremely disturbing events, and Claire's reaction -- her suffering, her guilt -- seems quite realistic. Without being preachy, the book also sends a clear message about the importance of sharing feelings with trustworthy friends, and the dangers of teens entering into relationships with untrustworthy adults. The mystery element of the novel is brief and quickly resolved, but what's there is suspenseful and engaging. This is a meaningful book for teens who can handle serious emotional content.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the connection Claire makes between Emily Dickinson and her mother. Why do you think Claire feels close to her mom at Emily's house?

  • You have probably seen stories in the media about missing children. What message does this book send about teen safety?

  • Late in the book, Claire says she knows "how to ask for help." Who would you reach out to if something sad happened to you?

Book Details

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