Hello, Universe: Some Friendships Are Meant to Be

Kelly, Erin Entrada

ISBN 10: 1470859467 ISBN 13: 9781470859466

Publisher: Blackstone Pub, 2017

Two boys and two girls explore respective views about courage and being different in the wake of a prank that traps one of them at the bottom of a well and compels the others to embark on a search-and-rescue mission. By the author of Blackbird Fly. Simultaneous.

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Review

Kelly s inventive story...is told from several supremely well-crafted perspectives. ...The short chapters, compelling characters, and age-appropriate suspense will hook young readers immediately. ...An original and resonant exploration of interconnectedness and friendship. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"

Four middle-schoolers fates intertwine one summer in Kelly s touching tale of friendship. . . . Chapters alternate between the four kids perspectives, infusing the story with their unique interests, backgrounds, beliefs, and doubts. ...Readers will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast. --Booklist (starred review)"

Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in the universe. 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 (starred review)"

Kelly offers up a charming novel about a serendipitous friendship that forms among a trio of sixth graders after a bully s heartless act brings them together. ...Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage. --Publishers Weekly (starred review)"

"Kelly creates rich and distinctive characters...through Kelly's playful, inventive plotting, Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet all confront 'the universe' in their own way. In the process, Kelly gives this hope to young readers: we can each discover our inner hero and transform even our toughest struggles."--Shelf Awareness

"Told in alternating perspectives of the three kid-heroes and one villain...the children's inner lives are distinctive, and each rings true."--Horn Book Magazine

"Folklore, fairy tales, astrology, mysticism and dreams all mingle together to create a wonderful, fantastical and unique world...there is so much for every reader contained within."--BookPage

"Fate seems to be trying to bring Valencia and Virgil together, according to Kaori, but it's sure not taking any sort of direct route. ...There's a touch of Snyder's classic The Egypt Game here, as a group of disparate youngsters make their own maybe-magic...and find surprising bonds."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A charming, intriguingly plotted novel by Erin Entrada Kelly. ...As she skillfully intercuts these four narratives, Kelly builds suspense and fosters empathy for her characters...As the connections deepen, it seems that this "big, mysterious, fickle" universe might harbor friendship and self-awareness for each."--Washington Post

"Through Kelly's playful, inventive plotting, Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet all confront 'the universe' in their own way. In the process, Kelly gives this hope to young readers: we can each discover our inner hero and transform even our toughest struggles by...reaching out to friends and loved ones."--Shelf Awareness (starred review)

About the Author

Erin Entrada Kelly grew up in south Louisiana and now lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Erin's mother was the first in her family to immigrate to the United States from the Philippines. This is Erin Entrada Kelly's first book.

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