From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…

Hello, Universe

Erin Entrada Kelly,

Isabel Roxas (Illustrator)

Start date: February 16, 2018

Finish date: March 31, 2018

Discussion: Newbery 2018

Why we're reading this: Winner of the 2018 Newbery award
[close] Winner of the 2018 Newbery award

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Newbery 2018

* Our 2018 Mock Newbery Award Winner is:
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last updated Feb 14, 2018 10:53AM

June Read - See You in the Cosmos
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What Members Thought

Feb 25, 2018 Barbara rated it really liked it

Shelves: character-building, compassion, conflict, literacy, jobs, hobbies, rural-life, nature, cultural-identity, disabilities

It can be challenging to predict which book will rise to the top as a Newbery contender, and this one clearly charmed members of the book award committee, perhaps because of the way it explores fate, coincidences, and the way some things are just meant to be. I enjoyed how each chapter gave me a glimpse into the heads of the different characters, all of whom seemed to be misfits in their own way. The lives of four, make that five if we count one of the character's little sister Gen, different yo It can be challenging to predict which book will rise to the top as a Newbery contender, and this one clearly charmed members of the book award committee, perhaps because of the way it explores fate, coincidences, and the way some things are just meant to be. I enjoyed how each chapter gave me a glimpse into the heads of the different characters, all of whom seemed to be misfits in their own way. The lives of four, make that five if we count one of the character's little sister Gen, different youngsters somehow intersect in the most unlikely way when class bully Chet Bullens ups the stakes and thoughtlessly plays a prank on Virgil Salinas, the frequent object of his derision. Quiet, insecure Virgil has gone for a walk in the woods with his beloved guinea pig, Gulliver, when Chet accosts him and throws his backpack in an abandoned well. The backpack contains Gulliver, and there is no way that Virgil can leave him behind. Kaori Tanaka is expecting Virgil's visit since he often checks in with her about his fortune, but when he doesn't arrive on time, she is sure something is wrong. Valencia Somerset is smart and confident and never lets anyone give her a hard time about the fact that she has hearing issues. She happens to see Kaori's business card and contacts her. From there, it is, um, fate that all these different individuals will somehow end up in the woods on the same day. I couldn't help but worry that poor Virgil would not be found in that well since he had no way to get back up once he'd climbed down to rescued his pet, and then the top of the well was closed. But thankfully, the book didn't go in that direction, and these separate characters somehow bond. Even the fact that Gen just happens to have her jump rope with her when the rescue is made makes readers do a double take, and somehow the author even manages to summon some sympathy for Chet as he worries about living up to his father's athletic expectations for him. This book is delightful in many ways, an ideal middle grade novel, complete with some Philippine folktales told by Virgil's beloved grandmother, Lola. Readers won't be able to miss the strong message of self-empowerment and being true to one's self. I can see why this one garnered so much acclaim. Perhaps all of us can learn something if we listen to what the universe has to say and take a chance or two. ...more

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Apr 06, 2018 Lorna rated it liked it

Shelves: childrens, newbery-medal, friendship

3.5 stars. Good story. Interesting characters. My favorite quote from the book, "Of all the questions you ever ask yourself in life, never ask, 'What's the point?' It's the worst question in the world. " ...more

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Feb 10, 2018 Susie rated it liked it

I wish the parents had not been portrayed as such caricatures. The magic aspects were not my thing.

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Dec 22, 2018 Jennifer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bravery, bullying, gr-2018-challenge, middle-grade, friendship

A solidly entertaining middle grade novel. Recommended for anyone who enjoys stories of bravery and friendship.

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Mar 03, 2018 Krystal rated it really liked it

I was underwhelmed, to be honest. This was the Newbery winner this year, so expectations were very high. And it was a nice book. Diverse, interesting characters. A deaf girl. A bully. Guinea pigs named Gulliver and Lilliput. But nice stories shouldn’t win Newbery awards. I think there were better books in 2017.

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