Hello, Universe
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways.
Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his loud family.
Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and loves everything about nature.
Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister Gen is always following her around.
And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just act normal so that he can concentrate on basketball.
They aren't friends - at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Is it a coincidence that their lives collide? Or are some things just meant to be?
An irresistible story about unlikely friendships from an acclaimed and award-winning author.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Kelly (The Land of Forgotten Girls) offers up a charming novel about a serendipitous friendship that forms among a trio of sixth graders after a bully's heartless act brings them together. Virgil Salinas, an immensely shy 11-year-old, lives in the shadow of his boisterous family, struggles in school, and wants little more than to hang out with his guinea pig, Gulliver, and friend, Kaori Tanaka, a self-proclaimed psychic. Virgil's classmate Valencia, who is ostracized at school because of her near deafness, longs for a friend for the summer and hopes that Kaori's psychic powers might help her vanquish her recurring nightmares. Instead, Kaori enlists Valencia's help to rescue Virgil after he fails to show up for a scheduled meeting. Kelly rotates among the viewpoints of Kaori, Virgil, Valencia, and neighborhood bully Chet, who contribute their own distinct stories, voices, and challenges. Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage. Readers will be left inspired to tackle life's fears head-on. Ages 8 12.
