Name: Destiny, Rewritten
ISBN: 9780061625015

Kathryn Fitzmaurice

Rejecting the idea that she is destined to become a poet, 11-year-old Emily Elizabeth Davis loses an important family secret hidden in a volume of Emily Dickinson's poems and forges unexpected connections while searching through used-book stores all across town. By the award-winning author of The Year the Swallows Came Early. 30,000 first printing.

Destiny, Rewritten

This sweet contemporary story about poetry, family, and determining your own destiny is perfect for fans of books by Wendy Mass, Joan Bauer, Sharon Creech, and Rebecca Stead. Eleven-year-old Emily Elizabeth Davis has never met her father, so when a book of poetry with his name in it goes missing, Emily and her friends search all over their hometown of Berkeley, California, hoping to track it down. Meanwhile, even though her English-professor mother insists that Emily is destined to become a poet (she named her after Emily Dickinson!), Emily secretly corresponds with her idol, romance writer Danielle Steel. As Publishers Weekly says, "Fitzmaurice's story deftly mingles Dickinson, Danielle Steel, a budding crush, and protesting tree sitters while maintaining suspense that leads to a satisfying ending."

Jessica Nottingham

Emily is trapped in a destiny that she isn't sure is actually hers. Named for the poet Emily Dickinson, her mother has big dreams that Emily will become a famous poet someday. Unfortunately, Emily isn't a big fan of poetry. In fact, she'd much rather read Danielle Steel and swoon over the happy endings. Who wouldn't?

I fell utterly in love with Emily and her friends. Each and every character in this book pops off the page. Emily is inquisitive, bright and witty. Some of the things she says made me giggle out loud, especially the dialogue between her and her best friend. With an intelligence far beyond her age, she's quite a charming little girl! Surrounding her are characters with all types of personalities, from Mortie who is a little army survivalist, to Cecily Ann who is the true poet. The tapestry of personalities here is wonderful and full. I can't gush enough.

Best of all is the story line. This isn't just your typical coming-of-age story. Emily is on a mission both to find her true path in life, and to find her missing father. Watching her navigate the roadblocks that pop up in her way was exciting, and the question of destiny vs. choice plays a big factor here. Young readers will be enamored with her journey, and the lack of any real angst in the story helps keep things light.

Even if I wasn't a giant fan of Middle Grade fiction, which I completely am, I'd still recommend this charming book! This is a light, sweet and enjoyable read. Ready to dive into something fun? Destiny, Rewritten is definitely a book to add to your reading list.

Destiny, Rewritten

Reviews

Highlights