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Hola, Universo
Hola, Universo

Hola, Universo

JUVENILE FICTION

256 Pages, 5.5 x 8.75

Formats: Trade Paper

Trade Paper, $20.95 (US $20.95) (CA $29.95)

Publication Date: March 2020

ISBN 9786075278599

Rights: US & CA

Editorial Oceano de Mexico (Mar 2020)
Gran Travesia

Price: $20.95
 
 

Overview

In a single day, the lives of four children weave together through an amazing adventure. Virgil Salinas is shy and feels misunderstood. Valencia Somerset is deaf, intelligent, and very stubborn. 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 stop being so different so he could concentrate on basketball. But when Chet pulls a mean prank on Virgil and his pet guinea pig, Kaori, Gen, and Valencia must go on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.

Reviews

“A charming, intriguingly plotted novel by Erin Entrada Kelly. ...As she skillfully intercuts these four narratives, Kelly builds suspense and fosters empathy for her characters...As the connections deepen, it seems that this “big, mysterious, fickle” universe might harbor friendship and self-awareness for each.” —Washington Post, on the English-language edition


“Kelly’s inventive story...is told from several supremely well-crafted perspectives. …The short chapters, compelling characters, and age-appropriate suspense will hook young readers immediately. …An original and resonant exploration of interconnectedness and friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on the English-language edition


“Four middle-schoolers’ fates intertwine one summer in Kelly’s touching tale of friendship. . . . Chapters alternate between the four kids’ perspectives, infusing the story with their unique interests, backgrounds, beliefs, and doubts. …Readers will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast.” —Booklist, starred review, on the English-language edition


“Plucky protagonists and a deftly woven story will appeal to anyone who has ever felt a bit lost in the universe. Readers across the board will flock to this book that has something for nearly everyone—humor, bullying, self-acceptance, cross-generational relationships, and a smartly fateful ending.” —School Library Journal, starred review, on the English-language edition


“Kelly 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. ...Infused with humor and hope, this book deftly conveys messages of resilience and self-acceptance through simple acts of everyday courage.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on the English-language edition


“Through Kelly’s playful, inventive plotting, Virgil, Valencia, Kaori and Chet all confront ‘the universe’ in their own way. In the process, Kelly gives this hope to young readers: we can each discover our inner hero and transform even our toughest struggles by...reaching out to friends and loved ones.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review, on the English-language edition


“Told in alternating perspectives of the three kid-heroes and one villain...the children’s inner lives are distinctive, and each rings true.” —Horn Book Magazine, on the English-language edition


“Folklore, fairy tales, astrology, mysticism and dreams all mingle together to create a wonderful, fantastical and unique world...there is so much for every reader contained within.” —BookPage, on the English-language edition

Author Biography

Erin Entrada Kelly is an author whose books have won several awards, including the APALA Award for Children's Literature, the Golden Kite Honor Award, the Gold Award for Fiction from the Parents Choice Foundation, and the Newbery Medal. She lives in suburban Philadelphia.