Emily of New Moon
#1 in Emily Series
What’s inside...
The book, Emily of New Moon, has been considered important throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never forgotten, efforts have been made to preserve it by republishing the book in a modern format for present and future generations. The entire book has been reformatted, retyped, and redesigned to ensure that the text is clear and readable, unlike scanned copies of the original work. Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely—until her beloved father died. Now Emily's an orphan, and her mother's snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She's sure she won't be happy. Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends: with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who's sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Ilse, a tomboy with a blazing temper. Amazingly, Emily finds New Moon beautiful and fascinating. With new friends and adventures, Emily might someday think of herself as Emily of New Moon.
Character compass
Emily Byrd Starr
Ilse Burnley
Teddy Kent
Perry Miller
Jimmy Murray
Laura Murray
Dr. Burnley
Dean Priest
Elizabeth Murray
Emily Starr
Discussion points
How do you think Emily feels when she moves to New Moon? Can you relate to her feelings?
Emily loves to write stories and poems. What are some of your favorite ways to express yourself?
Why do you think it's important for Emily to have friends like Ilse and Teddy?
What did Emily learn from her experiences in the book? What did you learn from reading about her?
If you could give Emily one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own feelings and experiences with Emily's, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the importance of self-expression, and ask your child about their favorite creative outlets, whether it's writing, drawing, or something else.
Highlight the value of friendship and ask your child about their friends and why those relationships are special to them.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to think about the lessons Emily learns and how they can apply similar lessons in their own life.
Motivate your child to think critically by asking what advice they would give to Emily and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and overcoming adversity
Explanation: Emily faces several challenges, including the loss of her father and adjusting to life with strict relatives. Through her trials, she learns to use her imagination and writing to cope and find her strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that they can overcome difficulties through creativity and inner strength, and that these hardships can lead to personal growth.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Emily uses poetry and writing as a way to understand her world and express her feelings. This is a significant theme throughout the book as it helps her connect with others and find her identity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore various forms of self-expression, such as writing, art, or music to communicate their feelings and thoughts.
Example Lesson: Value of empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emily learns to understand and empathize with the people in her new home, even when they may seem harsh or unkind initially.
Real-World Application: Teaching kids to look beyond initial impressions and understand others' perspectives can foster deeper interpersonal connections and social understanding.
Example Lesson: Pursuit of dreams
Explanation: Emily dreams of becoming a writer, despite the obstacles she faces. Her dedication and persistence demonstrate her commitment to her passion.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to follow their dreams and passions relentlessly, understanding that challenges along the way are part of the journey.
Example Lesson: Cultivating friendships
Explanation: Friendship plays a crucial role in Emily’s emotional growth and adaptation to her new life. The friendships she forms provide her with support and joy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building supportive friendships and being a good friend in return.