Hello, Universe
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kelly, Erin E. 2017. Hello, Universe. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780062414151.
PLOT SUMMARY
The lives
of four middle school students cross paths in unforeseen events. There is Virgil who is very shy and looks for
the help of his friend Kaori at the end of his sixth-grade school year after he
considers himself a Grand Failure. Kaori is willing to help as she considers
herself a psychic reading fortunes and the stars. Valencia is a smart and independent girl who
ends up at Kaori’s house as a new client.
And there is Chet, the bully, whose actions put Virgil and his guinea
pet in grave danger when they end up at the bottom of a well. This is the beginning of events that make
them wonder if the events were coincidence or they were meant to be.
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Kelly
allows the readers to get to know each character well as their story is told
from their point of view. It is easy to
see how their characters has been developed through the experiences they’ve
had. For example, Virgil is quiet and shy, not doubt because he feels that he
is overshadowed by his twin brothers’ extrovert personalities and their success
in sports. Valencia, even though is
deaf, has a strong personality and is independent. Readers will be able to identify with one of
the characters possibly with more as events transpire. From the beginning, the story is captivating
as one wonders why Virgil considers himself a “Grand Failure.” Middle school is
a time of transition when children are going through different changes to
include forming new relationships and for some is not as easy as for others,
this being the case for Virgil. He ended
his sixth-grade year unable to say a word to Valencia, who he liked therefore
considering himself a “Grand Failure.” In an unexpected turn of events, and not
in the way Virgil would have wanted it to happen, he gets to talk to Valencia. The way that the four characters’ lives
intertwined, with the effect of one person’s actions having on the rest of
them, allowed for new friendships and partnerships to form. Isn’t that what
life is about? Our actions having some type of consequence or are just some
things meant to be?
2018
Newbery Medal Winner
BOOKLIST: “Readers
will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure.”
KIRKUS: “An
original and resonant exploration of interconnectedness and friendship.”
PUBLISHER
WEEKLY: “Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of
resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage.”
SCHOOL
LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Readers across the board will flock to this book that has
something for nearly everyone.”
CONNECTIONS
Students
can create and present a brown bag book report.
Students
can learn more about the Filipino culture and look up the meaning of the Filipino
phrases used throughout the book.
Read other
books from Erin Entrada Kelly:
We Dream
of Space. ISBN 0062747304
You go
first. ISBN
9780062414182
The Land
of Forgotten Girls.
ISBN 0062238647
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