A review by erinmp
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin

4.0

Hattie is eleven years old and has just started her summer vacation. It's her favorite time of the year--watching her father paint, reading book after book from the library, helping out in her family's boarding house, and taking her daily afternoon walks. This summer changes everything for Hattie when she is told that she has an uncle that she's never heard of. Uncle Adam is, well, different. His "school", really an institution, has closed and now Adam is to spend the summer until a new placement can be found. Hattie's not really sure what's wrong with him, but she doesn't really care because Adam is fun. He constantly recites dialogue from "I Love Lucy" and always greets her with a cheerful "Ho ho ho!" This summer turns out to be a giant learning experience for Hattie.

Really good coming-of-age novel. Teaches tolerance and compassion. Honesty and friendship. Ignorance and hate are also addressed. I liked Hattie's character and enjoyed seeing her growth. She's not too perfect--she definitely makes some mistakes, but she is simultaneously grown-up and a child at several points in the novel. I had no idea that Ann M. Martin wrote anything other than the Babysitter's Club books; nor that it could be so good!