Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming tale of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
HELLO, UNIVERSE tells the story of four kids -- Virgil Salinas, Valencia Somerset, Kaori Tanaka, and Chet Bullens -- whose lives become connected over the course of a day. Virgil's family calls him "Turtle" because he never comes out of his shell. He's too shy to befriend Valencia Somerset, his smart, deaf, and secretly lonely classmate. Both Virgil and Valencia know what it's like to feel different and hope that Kaori can use her self-proclaimed psychic powers to help them overcome their fears. When neighborhood bully Chet Bullens plays an awful prank on Virgil, it's up to Valencia, Kaori, and Kaori's little sister, Gen, to find Virgil. Through teamwork and a little help from the universe, these neighborhood kids become friends, battle a bully, and find their inner heroes.
Is It Any Good?
Kids will love this charming adventure that emphasizes the power of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance. Through quirky humor and the diverse, relatable characters, Hello, Universe captures what it's like to feel different and the joy of realizing you belong. There may be some frightening moments for sensitive readers, but the characters' perseverance and teamwork will inspire kids to find their own inner heroes and remind them that they're never alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hello, Universe deals with bullying. How does this issue affect the characters, especially Virgil and Valencia?
Do you ever feel different or left out? When? Do you think others in your class or school feel that way? What can you do to help them feel included?
How do the kids demonstrate teamwork and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Isabel Roxas
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : March 14, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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