Book Review Hello, Universe A Newbery Award Winner

This Newbery Medal-winning novel weaves together four distinct perspectives—two boys and two girls—in a single, fateful day that transforms their neighborhood into an unexpected adventure. The story follows Virgil, a shy boy struggling to find his voice; Valencia, a resourceful deaf girl with a passion for science; Kaori, a self-proclaimed psychic; and Chet, the neighborhood bully, as their lives intersect in surprising ways. Erin Entrada Kelly masterfully builds suspense and emotional depth as a seemingly ordinary afternoon spirals into a rescue mission that tests each character's courage.

What makes this middle-grade novel particularly compelling is its authentic portrayal of childhood anxieties and the quiet bravery required to overcome them. The narrative thoughtfully explores themes of friendship across differences, finding strength in one's unique qualities, and the meaning of being a hero—or "bayani" as Virgil's Filipino grandmother teaches him. Young readers navigating their own social landscapes will appreciate how the characters' vulnerabilities become their greatest strengths, making this neighborhood adventure both relatable and inspiring for anyone who's ever felt like an outsider finding their place in the world.