A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kelly, Erin Entrada. 2017. HELLO UNIVERSE. New York: Greenwillow Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780062414151.
B. PLOT SUMMARY
Virgl is a quiet boy. He struggles to let his feelings and thoughts come out. Thankfully, he can consult his personal psychic and close friend, Kaori. On the first day of summer, the neighborhood bully goes too far, and Virgl is forced to be heroic. However, attempting to save his best friend’s life may end his own.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Kelly does a great job of writing a story with a diverse set of kids that all seem unique and similar at the same time. But isn’t that almost the definition of humankind?
Virgil Salinas is painfully introverted. Valencia Somerset is hearing impaired. Kaori Tanaka believes she is psychic. They all feel misunderstood by their families, so they find comfort in other things like a guinea pig, a journal, and fortune-telling crystals.
The presence and influence of Lola in Virgl’s home is a cultural marker. Multi-generational homes are more common in some Asian cultures, one expression of valuing the elderly and their wisdom. Lola is a great source of wisdom, but also of love and attention for Virgl. The Filipino folk stories that Lola tells him become a part of his consciousness, and in his hour of need, the stories both haunt him and help him.
Language is a prominent cultural marker in Virgl’s part of the story also. His Lola uses Cebuano words and phrases, which is a language also known as Visayan, used in the central and southern Philippines. The meaning of the words can usually be ascertained by context. Some of her words are “anak,” which means ‘son’ and “mahal kita,” which means ‘I love you.”
The Tanaka sisters, who are “second-generation Japanese American from Ohio,” are a different representation of Asian Americans in the story. Their lives portray typical American values and interests, with perhaps a stronger than average emphasis on fate and reincarnation.
D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS
ALA Notable Children's Books, 2018
Newbery Medal, 2018
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Booklist starred, December 2016
Kirkus Reviews starred, December 2016
Publishers Weekly starred, December 2016: “Kelly rotates among the viewpoints of Kaori, Virgil, Valencia, and neighborhood bully Chet, who contribute their own distinct stories, voices, and challenges. Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage. Readers will be left inspired to tackle life's fears head-on.”
School Library Journal starred, January 2017: “ Unlikely friendships are formed and heroism abounds as the group of young people try to find their way in the world. Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in the universe.”
E. CONNECTIONS
This middle-grade novel addresses an important and pertinent issue- bullying. Some other quality books that would be great to include in SEL lessons or literature circles for discussion are Starfish by Lisa Fipps, Restart by Gordon Korman, or Save me a seat by Sarah Weeks.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment