The Unsigned Valentine: And Other Events in the Life of Emma Meade

by Johanna Hurwitz, Mary Azarian (Illustrator)

In early twentieth-century Vermont, sixteen-year-old Emma confides in her diary both her hopes of becoming a farmer's wife one day and her frustrations with her parents' belief that she is too young to be courted by the handsome Cole Berry.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Johanna Hurwitz is an American author of more than sixty children's books. She has sold millions of books in many different languages.

Reviews

[Sarah BT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discoverd this book when I first started working as a librarian via another tween librarian's blog. I'm so glad I found it and picked it up, because it's a very delightful book!

The Unsigned Valentine is actually the third book to feature Emma, but I didn't realize that when I read it, so you can read this without being familiar with the companion books. Don't let teenage Emma fool you into thinking this book is too old for tweens. This is actually the perfect book for readers who have enjoyed the American Girl or Dear America series and are looking for something new. I also think those tween girls who have read everything about Laura Ingalls Wilder will fall in love with Emma.

The premise sounds like it might be dull-who would want to read about daily life in historical Vermont? But Ms. Hurwitz does a wonderful job of making the reader feel as though they are there with Emma and you really do care about her life and what's happening around her. There's also a very sweet romance that will put a smile on your face.

The Unsigned Valentine is the perfect escape to a simpler time and it's a great curl up and read in the winter book.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this third novel, the narrative focus shifts to Emma Meade on the farm in Vermont. Now 16, Emma faces many choices during this novel. She takes on many tasks of a woman, while her parents in some ways continue to see and treat her as a child. A bittersweet finale for characters we have gotten to know in previous novels.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter and I have read many of the Johanna Hurwitz books and loved them. This book is part of a series about a Farm Family in CT and refers back to a friend they made in NYC through the Fresh Air Fund.

What I liked about this book is the insight the main character Emma has into herself and life in general. It is a classic story about responsibility and young love, but takes place in the early 1900's.

[Inhabiting Books]

A sweet and old-fashioned story about a 15 year old farmgirl in 1911 Vermont who falls in love with a local boy, but her parents think she's too young to be courted. Despite its plot, this book contains absolutely nothing offensive, not even kissing, and is tame enough to give to your 8 year old to read.
The writing is well done, as are the characterizations, but I wish the plot and storyline were more substantial.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet old fashioned historical fiction, not much plot

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about a girl who lives in Vermont in 1911 and has a crush on this guy, but he likes someone else.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is heart throbbing, it's really beautiful. It's a really good book for romance

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because I learned what life can be like around the early 1900s. No refrigerators and disastrous floods! I'm glad that I live in the 21st century.

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute historical fiction story for moms and tween daughters to read together. I read this as part of a mom and daughter book discussion at my local library.