Emerson's Home

People say that losing a child is the worst tragedy anyone can suffer. Emerson LaMonica would not agree. After her father's death, 8-year-old Emerson cannot imagine anything hurting more. She begins to isolate herself from everyone in her life, not letting anyone get too close, shutting people out to avoid getting so hurt again; the only coping skill her young psyche can do to heal. However, it will not mend her. The isolation only causes her more harm. Throughout all of this, her beloved grandfather, her Empa, refuses to let her shut him out, drawing her in with his love and faith, and she cannot help but to allow him to remain dear to her heart. Her two best friends, Melanie and Edward, stay in her life as they grow up, but Emerson keeps them at a distance, drawing her strength from her love of academics, her grandfather, and his farm in Vermont.