Hello, Universe Book Review
By Kelly Hartman
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kelly, Erin Entrada. Hello, Universe. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2017 ISBN 9780062414151
PLOT SUMMARY
Virgil Salinas, a shy eleven year old, thinks that he is an utter failure because he can't talk to Valencia, his crush. Kaori, a middle school physic tries to give him guidance, but it seems that too many things are against him, especially Chet, the bully. Yet, the "universe" has bigger plans and brings these three misfits together in a series of "coincidences". Will Chet get the best of Virgil? Will Kaori help Virgil speak to Valencia? In this epic adventure, these misfits find that life is ultimately about a series of human connections.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Erin Entrada Kelly creatively weaves a story about the coincidences that occur in any given day.
Readers will enjoy the change of point of view told through the "ping-ponging" of each character's perspective from chapter to chapter. Within this clever design, characters are believable, and well developed. Each character's inner voice and actions give the reader insight into their nature. For instance, during the grocery store incident, Virgil is exposed as timid, while Valencia emerges as courageous and unaffected by Chet's bullying. Likewise, Chet's description of his father, and Virgil's description of his family help to explain nurture over nature.
Within the story, it is apparent that the settings are not random places. Instead, each place--the grocery store, the park and forest, and the well--provide a way for the reader to see the connection in the misfits' lives. Kelly makes them a common ground for characters with very different lives and upbringings.
Readers will identify with a grandmother who has a story to go with every situation. Filipino folklore may be the cause of some of Virgil's anxiety. And yet when he meets his fears at the bottom of the well, he uses his grandmother's influence to keep him afloat. Ruby San Salvador speaks to his heart and gives him the courage that he needs to come to terms with the universe.
Kelly gives the story a light-hearted feel with humor and yet digs deep to issues that bring about real emotion.
AWARD AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
Newbery Medal Winner, 2018
SLJ Best Books of the Year, 2017
“This reading community celebrates the panoply of American literature for children published in 2017. We are delighted to share our selections with the world,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Cecilia P. McGowan.
Told from four intertwining points of view—two boys and two girls—the novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner bayani (hero). “Readers will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast of misfits.”—Booklist
CONNECTIONS
Peek inside Kelly's notebook from Hello, Universe.
Spark discussion and thematic connections with this resource guide.
Hello, Universe Reader's Theater
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