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jennifermreads 's review for:
Hello, Universe
by Erin Entrada Kelly
A bully brings together new friends.
Just because a book wins an award, this does not mean that the book is for everyone. Is it wonderfully diverse? Heck yeah! Yay for a story that includes a strong character who is deaf (love the how-tos!), a shy Filipino boy, and a quirky, rambunctious Japanese girl. Does the story weave a thread of friendship and warmness? Yes, it does. The characters are beautifully articulated: I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle Chet the bully. Did it move me over-the-top and scream “Award Winner?” Nope. I closed the back cover and thought to myself “This didn’t have the same POW as Long Way Down.” I was slammed when I finished Jason Reynold’s recent novel-in-verse. I still find myself reflecting on its contents and ruminating over what came after that pesky last line. While sweet and enduring Hello, Universe just didn’t have the same impact on finishing and I doubt I’ll be thinking about it still in four months (how long it has been since I read Long Way Down). A good entry into middle grade fiction? No doubt. Lasting impact? Not for me.
Just because a book wins an award, this does not mean that the book is for everyone. Is it wonderfully diverse? Heck yeah! Yay for a story that includes a strong character who is deaf (love the how-tos!), a shy Filipino boy, and a quirky, rambunctious Japanese girl. Does the story weave a thread of friendship and warmness? Yes, it does. The characters are beautifully articulated: I wanted to reach into the pages and strangle Chet the bully. Did it move me over-the-top and scream “Award Winner?” Nope. I closed the back cover and thought to myself “This didn’t have the same POW as Long Way Down.” I was slammed when I finished Jason Reynold’s recent novel-in-verse. I still find myself reflecting on its contents and ruminating over what came after that pesky last line. While sweet and enduring Hello, Universe just didn’t have the same impact on finishing and I doubt I’ll be thinking about it still in four months (how long it has been since I read Long Way Down). A good entry into middle grade fiction? No doubt. Lasting impact? Not for me.