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    The Children's Book Review

    Hello, Universe, by Erin Entrada Kelly | Book Spotlight

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze2 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Best Kids Stories Novels for Kids and Teens
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    The Children’s Book Review

    In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways.

    Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly’s Hello, Universe is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships.

    “Readers across the board will flock to this book that has something for nearly everyone—humor, bullying, self-acceptance, cross-generational relationships, and a smartly fateful ending.”—School Library Journal

    Book Hello UniverseHello, Universe

    Written by Erin Entrada Kelly

    Publisher’s Synopsis: In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and she loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister, Gen, is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just stop being so different so he can concentrate on basketball.

    They aren’t friends, at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.

    The acclaimed author of Blackbird Fly and The Land of Forgotten Girls writes with an authentic, humorous, and irresistible tween voice that will appeal to fans of Thanhha Lai and Rita Williams-Garcia.

    Ages 8-12 | Publisher: Greenwillow Books | Reprint edition | April 7, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-0062414168

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    About the Author

    New York Times–bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly was awarded the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe. Her debut novel, Blackbird Fly, was a Kirkus Best Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, an ALSC Notable Book, and an Asian/Pacific American Literature Honor Book. She is also the author of The Land of Forgotten Girls, winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and You Go First, a New York Times bestseller, Spring 2018 Indie Next Pick, Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and School Library Journal Best Book. She grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and now lives in Delaware. For more information, visit: www.erinentradakelly.com

    Facebook: @HarperCollinsChildrens and @ErinEntradaKelly | Instagram: @HarperKids and @erinentrada | Twitter @HarperKids and @ErinEntrada

    What to Read Next:

    1. Hello, Universe, by Erin Entrada Kelly | Dedicated Review
    2. The Essential Book List for Navigating Middle School
    3. My Writing And Reading Life: J. S. Puller, Author of Captain Superlative
    4. Saving Winslow, by Sharon Creech | Speed Interview

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Bullying Erin Entrada Kelly Friendship HarperCollins Self-esteem
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    20 Comments

    1. Dreama Villa on April 7, 2020 7:01 am

      This book sounds amazing!

      Reply
    2. Anne on April 7, 2020 7:56 am

      Captivating, beautiful and a real treasure for my granddaughters to enjoy. Thanks.

      Reply
    3. Andrea Carroll on April 7, 2020 8:26 am

      My students would enjoy reading this book. It would also be an excellent read aloud for me.

      Reply
    4. Marilyn on April 7, 2020 12:25 pm

      This would be a book my sister would love.
      Marilyn

      Reply
    5. Victoria Scott on April 7, 2020 3:02 pm

      This sounds like the perfect book for my daughter! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    6. Carol Luciano on April 8, 2020 1:14 am

      Sounds like another great read.

      Reply
    7. Anne Perry on April 8, 2020 4:37 am

      My son would enjoy this book.

      Reply
    8. Linda Gawthrop on April 8, 2020 4:48 am

      Finding a story to appeal to that in between age group is a challenge – this one sounds like it hit the mark.

      Reply
    9. mrsshukra on April 8, 2020 11:50 am

      My nephews will enjoy this!

      Reply
    10. Marilyn G. Katz on April 13, 2020 12:28 pm

      My grandson would love this.

      Reply
    11. Nancy Jachcik on April 13, 2020 12:34 pm

      Would love to win this for my grandchildren who are avid readers.

      Reply
    12. Sandra Watts on April 14, 2020 10:04 am

      I think my grand kids would like it.

      Reply
    13. Kathleen on April 14, 2020 3:51 pm

      My daughter loves realistic fiction and this has been our wish list for awhile!

      Reply
    14. apple blossom on April 14, 2020 7:41 pm

      Love to win this and add it to my classroom library.

      Reply
    15. charlotte on April 17, 2020 6:19 am

      I have grandchildren who are young teenagers, who are quarantined in Michigan, who would LOVE this!

      Reply
    16. gloria patterson on April 18, 2020 3:00 pm

      my great niece loves books…………….. have been giving them to her since she was born. This sounds like a good book

      Reply
    17. Susan P. on April 18, 2020 9:24 pm

      Having humor, bullying, self-acceptance, and cross-generational relationships is great to be included in a book for all ages.

      Reply
    18. Barbara on April 19, 2020 7:58 am

      I think my nephew would really enjoy this book. It sounds like a fun book.

      Reply
    19. Sabine B on April 20, 2020 9:20 pm

      this look like a great story. thank you.

      Reply
    20. Debra Branigan on April 21, 2020 5:57 pm

      I would love to win this giveaway and share this book with my granddaughter. I like the way the book deals with so many trials and tribulations of this age group. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
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