Hello, Universe: A Newbery Award Winner -- Erin Entrada Kelly

<p><strong>Winner of the Newbery Medal</strong></p><p><strong>"A charming, intriguingly plotted novel."--<em>Washington Post</em></strong></p><p><strong>Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly's <em>Hello, Universe</em> is a funny and poignant neighborhood story about unexpected friendships.</strong></p><p> </p><p>Told from four intertwining points of view--two boys and two girls--the novel celebrates bravery, being different, and finding your inner <em>bayani</em> (hero). "Readers will be instantly engrossed in this relatable neighborhood adventure and its eclectic cast of misfits."--<em>Booklist</em></p><p>In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his crazy-about-sports family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and she 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 stop being so different so he can concentrate on basketball.</p><p>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 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. </p><p>The acclaimed and award-winning author of <em>