Hello, Universe: A Newbery Award Winner

Hello, Universe is a neighborhood story about unexpected friendships told from four intertwining points of view. The novel follows Virgil Salinas, a shy and kindhearted boy who feels out of place in his sports-focused family; Valencia Somerset, a deaf girl who is smart and brave but secretly lonely and loves nature; Kaori Tanaka, a self-proclaimed psychic; and her younger sister Gen. Chet Bullens, who wishes the unusual kids would stop being different, pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This accident sets off an epic quest when Kaori, Gen, and Valencia search for the missing Virgil. Through luck, intelligence, bravery, and chance, a rescue is performed, a bully faces consequences, and friendship develops. The novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner bayani (hero). Erin Entrada Kelly writes with an authentic, humorous tween voice that addresses themes including humor, bullying, self-acceptance, and cross-generational relationships.