Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Image:
Genre:
Fiction
Introduction
and Justification:
Every year the Newbery Medal and
Newberry Honor Awards are awarded to amazing books. In 2018 Hello Universe
won the Newbery Medal. This novel has an intriguing tag line. “Some friendships
are meant to be” (Entrada, 2018) . This quote perfectly introduces and
summarizes the book. The back of the book briefly introduces the characters to
give the reader insight into the book. This book is mix of a Filipino Folktale
and a modern story. This book helps the reader open their eyes to other
cultures, and the people we see around us.
Evaluation
of book:
Hello, Universe, is a
retold folk tail with a modern twist. This tale however is not a well-known
folk tale in the United States. The author is very precise in her language to
share the folk tale as well as relate the story to a modern-day audience. The
stories that were included all further developed the plot. Every word was
intentional. From Valencia going over her snake knowledge to the last word in
the book “hello” (Entrada, 2018, p. 311) . Every word built on
each other and gave clues to what would happen. As Virgil feels like “Pah” is
coming down on him the reader can see its his anxiety and fear. He is battling
an internal battle. The precise use of language helps to develop and build the
characters. Even the simplest pieces such as “turtle” saying he no longer
wanted to be called “turtle”. This allows the reader to see his growth,
development, and change.
This book is told through dialogue and internal monologues.
Entrada Kelly dedicated chapters to certain characters. She is then able to use
their speech to progress and elaborate on the story. Kaori tries to act above her
age. This comes out in her speech and especially when she converses with her
sister. Gen is willing to go along with her sister and works as a sidekick. She
is always trying to help while retaining her youth. Even the simple dialogue
shows a lot of meaning. When Kaori discusses going into business, she used the
word “friends” (Entrada, 2018, p. 262) That simple sentence
is what Valencia/Renee wanted to hear. This was the solution to her problem.
The dialogue allows the reader to feel like they are in the story and are part
of the conversation.
In chapter one the opening is about how Virgil Salinas has
become a “Grand Failure” (Entrada, 2018, p. 2) . The author is drawing
a line in the sand. Even though is begins the story as a failure the reader
knows that he will no longer become a grand failure at the end of the book. He
equated all his failures knowing that at the end he will have some resolution.
At the end of the book you realize that the Universe had intervened, and he was
not a failure after all. Entrada Kelly
not only draws the line in the sand for the part of him being a grand failure
but also draws the line for Valencia. In her introduction you see that is
struggles to make friends. The reader knows that the book will end with her
making friends. This book was very intentional. Every line had its place and
every quote had a reason. The author knew that their would be a resolution and
that the characters would not ultimately fail at the end.
Response:
© The Filipino culture does not receive
a lot of attention. It was interesting to learn about their folktales and culture
through this book. The book shared a new perspective on a culture even down to
the competition of where your fruits are from that you buy. (f) This book was
fascinating. The author does a good job of flipping narrators and engaging the
reader. This book was enjoyable as you got to know the characters, celebrate their
growth, and even enjoy a little comeuppance. (g) This is a good book to read to
develop a sense of multicultural awareness. The book addresses a lot of issues
including bullying, disability, paranormal, family, and friendship. Entrada Kelly
uses a lot of elements and weaves them together to form a book that can teach and
inspire the reader to make changes in his or her life.
Conclusion:
Hello,
Universe is a retelling of a Filipino folk tale set in modern times. This book
does a great job of demonstration multicultural awareness and multiple perspectives.
The author uses dialogue to develop the characters. The story makes the reader believe
in the power of fate and how everything is meant to be. This book deserved the
Newberry Medal. It allows the reader to see through the eyes of those with
disability, and even why bullies are bullies. It teaches students how to
support themselves with non-violence and how to appreciate everything including
nature. This is a wonderful book to read.
Citation
Alsc. (2019). Awards, Grants & Scholarship.
Retrieved from Association for Library Service to Children :
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants
Entrada, E. K. (2018). Hello, Universe. New
York: Scholastic.
Texas Library Association. (2019). Reading Lists.
Retrieved from TLA Texas Library Association:
https://txla.org/tools-resources/reading-lists/
Williamson, O. M. (n.d.). How to Write a Reaction
Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response:
http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm
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