She does write poetry, I believe! I've got a collection by her buried somewhere in my hard drive. I think I read one book by her when I was a kid--one of her first--and iirc I had the same experience: good but not substantial. Her writing must have improved by then though, I'm sure.

(And re: feisty/quiet girls: YES. I love strong female characters and it'd be nice to read something where the author realises that you don't have to be outspoken and out-going to be strong.)