Overview
An introduction for middle-grade readers to the important American poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950).
Tracing Millay's life from her youth in Maine to the bohemian fervor of her early adulthood in Greenwich Village and Paris, this fancinating biography will captivate middle grade readers. Including photos, full-length poems, plentiful letter and diary excerpts, a time line, source notes, and bibliography, this is an indispensable resource for any young person interested in poetry, literature, or biographies of remarkable people in American history.
Reviews
“This vibrant biography of the poet who famously burned her candles at both ends should be at the top of every reading list. Krystyna Poray Goddu intelligently explores Edna St. Vincent Millay’s life and great talent with many fresh insights and tells her story with grace, clarity, and sympathy.” —Emily Arnold McCully, Caldecott Award–winning author and illustrator, Mirette on the High Wire
“Beautifully written, lovingly researched, and amply illustrated, A Girl Called Vincent will introduce a whole new generation to the delights of this singular American poet. Krystyna Poray Goddu’s passion for her illustrious subject animates and enlivens every single page.” —Yona Zeldis McDonough, author of Little Author in the Big Woods: A Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder
“In this beautifully written, well-researched biography, Krystyna Poray Goddu illuminates the joys and challenges in Millay’s life, tracing her development from a restless, young woman in rural Maine to one of America’s bestselling poets and a spokesperson for her generation’s claim to personal freedom. Along the way, Goddu shares the often overlooked personal details that both shaped Millay’s world view and served as inspiration for her work.” —Holly Peppe, literary executor, Edna St. Vincent Millay; editor, Millay’s Early Poems; coeditor, Collected Sonnets and Collected Poems
“Goddu's well-researched account produces an illuminating snapshot of the uphill battle female writers faced trying to earn a living in the first half of the 20th century. A revealing glimpse of a gifted poet whose impassioned works and acts are sure to capture the imaginations of young readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[T]his is a great option to recommend to aspiring poets, writers, and feminists, as well as those who enjoy historical nonfiction. A strong addition to any collection, especially those seeking out new titles for Women’s History Month.” —School Library Journal
“To see Vincent through Goddu’s eyes is to see a most extraordinary story—one that, like Millay, belongs in any nonfiction collection.” —Booklist, starred review
“While Goddu clearly likes her subject, she doesn’t avoid Millay’s rough edges, her bouts of depression or adult struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. However, parents need not be concerned. Goddu presents an honest portrait, appropriately tempered for a young audience.” —DownEast: The Magazine of Maine
Author Biography
Krystyna Poray Goddu is a former editor at Women’s Day magazine, cofounder of Dolls magazine, and cofounder of Reverie Publishing Company, which publishes books on dolls and toys for collectors and children. She has contributed to American Girl magazine, The New York Times Book Review, and the Riverbank Review of Books for Young Readers and is a regular reviewer of children’s books and writer for Publishers Weekly. She lives in New York City.
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