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Comments (31)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 31 items
Jun 26, 2023
A quiet, curious middle grade novel about friendship, bullying, folk tales, and self-acceptance. Kelly leaves readers feeling hopeful as the paths of four very different characters cross in unexpected ways.
Jul 25, 2022HPL_Teen_Volunteer2 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Hello Universe is a sweet novel by Kelly Erin Entrada. It features a diverse cast of characters who deal with problems like loneliness, bullying, and not feeling understood. The book’s main characters are children around 11 years old, and…
Dec 09, 2021narayana331 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
For school
Sep 03, 2021IndyPL_LucyW_Archive rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The lives of five kids intersect one early summer Saturday - withdrawn Virgil, stubborn Valencia, bullish Chet, esoteric Kaori and her tagalong sister Gen. And Virgil's guinea pig Gulliver, he's there, too. Readers will enjoy getting to…
Feb 12, 2021feelspecial101 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Growing up as a teenager can feel new, awkward, and difficult. Virgil is a shy boy who struggles to say what’s on his mind. Through a series of events, he begins to gain courage to do anything. Adding on, “Hello, Universe” also displays…
Aug 04, 2020JCLLizW rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I can certainly understand why this won a Newbery Medal...the characters are so well-done. They are each unique but brought together in a natural way. Switching between four first-person perspectives has the potential to confuse the reader…
Jun 10, 2020OPL_KIDS rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Hello, Universe is an adventurous tale with themes of friendship and fate so prominent that it almost feels like a juvenile-appropriate "romance." The story is not "cheesy" or "mushy" at all, but with characters clearly drawn to one…
Apr 03, 2020courtws rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I haven't been able to figure out why books receive the Newbery. This was okay, kind of quiet, interesting how it was told from four points of view, but best for 2018? Hmm.
Dec 09, 2019Sirivellanki rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This was an awesome book. Read it with my son (10) and we both enjoyed it very much.
Nov 01, 2019
Level Y
Oct 30, 2019
BL 4.7
Jul 28, 2019JCLTiffanyR rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Fans of quirky characters and the idea of fate will enjoy this read. The book is charming with a positive message about self-esteem and the meaning of friends.
Jul 06, 2019EljayJohnson rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Perfectly simple and spot-on in every way: the accidental/natural diversity of the characters; the pure and straightforward plot that was more about these children than what happens next; the great humor; the wisdom about aloneness,…
Jun 07, 2019swnajarian rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Valencia, the character with hearing loss was wonderfully developed. I think that kids with hearing loss will relate to the ways that Valencia feels isolated and lonely. I also think that kids with hearing loss can find hope for friendship…
Mar 01, 2019Happy_Endings rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
As others have commented, this is a well-written book with an intriguing plot and likeable characters. It would be a good books for teachers to use in discussing point of view. A different character narrates each chapter as the story…
Feb 27, 2019
I loved this sweet story of friendship with an important message about bullying.
Dec 17, 2018
A Great Books for Great Kids pick for grades 4-6.
Nov 12, 2018IndyPL_SteveB rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Exciting novel about new friendship between three children with few connections between them. Winner of the 2018 John Newbery Medal. Extremely shy 7th-grader-to-be Virgil Salinas would like to meet hearing-disabled 7th-grader-to-be…
Sep 24, 2018DPLjulie rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
When a bully's prank has unintended consequences, it takes determination and some big hearts to make things right. With elements of suspense, featuring interesting and diverse characters, "Hello, Universe" is a compelling, satisfying read.
Jul 17, 2018PLYMC_Lindsay rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
"There are no coincidences"...such a simple theme, and yet such a cool read! Valencia reminded me so much of Melody from Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. She's witty and perceptive. Definitely check this one out!
Jul 02, 2018ericasomething rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I read this book to my 8 year old and it only took about five hours (a few chapters at a time). We both really enjoyed it, there were some intense scenes when Virgil is stuck down in the well, and it allowed my son and I to discuss some…
Jun 21, 2018blue_dog_36440 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Hello Universe is a amazing book! I couldn't put it down!!
Jun 13, 2018glenda168 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book is a very unique book. Most books only have one point of view, but in this book, there is four. The main characters, Virgil Salinas, Kaori Tanaka, Valencia Somerset, and Chet Bullens, all experienced coincidences. I read most of…
kirstd31
Apr 02, 2018kirstd31 rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
I am not a fan of this book. The story line was very slow. It was also confusing at time with 4 different characters telling the story.
Mar 27, 2018pstc rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A well told story about four middle school students who become unexpected friends. The story is told from the perspective of four friends and deftly conveys how taking the time to know someone can lead to a blossoming friendship. The…