Parents' Guide to

Hello, Universe

By Amanda Nojadera, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Charming tale of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.

Book Erin Entrada Kelly Coming of Age 2017
Hello, Universe Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mr. DLR
Mr. DLR Parent of 6 and 8-year-old
June 14, 2020
age 9+

I love using this book with my students

My teaching partners and I love using this book with our fifth grade students. Great range of characters and representation with Filipino characters, as well as students with learning disabilities. The elements of friendship and standing up for yourself really resonated with my students. Just enough symbolism and foreshadowing for the intended age group to make it fun and depth to the story. I would highly recommend reading this book.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
gueslibrarian
gueslibrarian Adult
December 1, 2018
age 10+

My 11 year old related to several characters and loved this book.

As a middle school librarian, I can say, we loved this book. It has a bunch of unique characters- one hard of hearing Valencia, one bully Chet, a boy whose best friend is a guinea pig Virgil, and a problem solver Kaori . Kaori sees the universe intervening to make things happen in all of their lives. And in this book, that happens with one situation in the woods. Most of the book is the resolution of how they all end up in the same place off and on, and together on the same day. The book focuses on how Virgil, who often feels alone and bullied, learns to find his inner Bayani, to make changes in his life in how he deals with other people. It is a beautiful story of growing up and learning to have your own voice. My favorite quotes “I shared all this information with Roberta and she felt better. Life is a lot easier when you’re prepared for stuff.” P. 143 That’s the universe sending you a letter.... He thought of Lola and how she always seemed to know what he was feeling. Maybe - somehow - she would feel that he was in trouble now. I think Lola gets lots of letters, he said. We all do, Ruby replied. Some of us are just better at opening them.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (9):

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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