A Home for Mr. Emerson book review

Bibliography

Kerley, B. 2014. A Home for Mr. Emerson. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545350884

Plot Summary

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a well-known author who loved his family, nature, writing, and his home. In this story, it begins by describing Mr. Emerson as a young boy who grew up in a family that struggled financially. It then moves forward to him being in college and his new found love of reading and writing. The story then moves forward to 1834 when Mr. Emerson moved to Concord, bought a farmhouse, and became married. Furthermore, the story also mentions his children and his love of having company at his home, but it also discusses his struggles such as his home burning down. The story then ends with his friends and neighbors working together to fix his home as a surprise for Mr. Emerson while he was traveling with his daughter.

Critical Analysis

The story shows a biography of Emerson’s life, more-so focusing on his home, his writing career, and his family. While the storyline in the book relies on Emerson’s construction, loss, and rebuilding of his home, it makes sure to emphasize the important aspects of Emerson’s life, such as his writings and his connection with nature. This is seen at the beginning of the story, as it begins with Emerson’s curiosity to read, write, and share ideas with others as well as his connection and writings within nature. As most would agree, this is what Emerson would most likely be known for rather than his home being burned down. Therefore, while the biography is mostly driven by the story of Emerson and his family’s experiences with their home, it still emphasizes the significance of Emerson’s journey in becoming a writer, thus still creating a clear and understandable description of the writer’s life.

Review Excerpt(s)

• Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Well-sourced quotations appear throughout the story (and fill the endpapers), both contextualizing Emerson’s life and standing as testament to the value of an open mind and a generous heart” (December 2, 2013).
• Kirkus Review: “The illustrations-prancing across oversized pages-are cheery, inventive, bright and busy, depicting a contented-looking man in coat and tails basking in the magnificence of life” (November 27, 2013).

Connections

• This story can be used when discussing biographies.
• Students can research different works done by Mr. Emerson.
• Students can compare and contrast Mr. Emerson to another famous writer.
• Students can create bookmarks of different parts of Emerson’s life.