Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly is a powerful book that helps us all understand that there is always another point of view.

Do you think it is a Newbery Contender?

Personally, I definitely think this is a Newbery contender. Maybe a quiet one. But a contender nonetheless.

If you look at the Newbery criteria: theme, presentation, plot, characters, setting, style... I think it hits on a lot of them.

I love the destiny theme and coincidences and different perspectives. This is done really well. The plot was structured in a unique way, providing different perspectives and keeping the reader wondering how the different subplots would converge. The characters were all distinctly different with appropriate voices. The setting served integral to the plot as Virgil is stuck in the well. There's some interesting irony there given what the reader knows about Virgil's personality. And finally, the style of the book, being told from different perspectives, was well done and engaging.

All my opinion. It's early in the reading season so it's highly possible this will be knocked off in my personal rankings, but as for now, one of the strongest all around titles I've read.

In HELLO UNIVERSE, Erin Estrada Kelly accepts several coping strategies: horoscopes, mysticism, research, direct action, getting a pet. Her characters each respond differently, and eventually work together to resolve a crisis.
I know we have more books coming this year, but this is my favorite so far.

I too see this as a strong Newbery contender and am very glad it is being discussed here and more and more elsewhere. (My blog post about it is here.)

Perhaps most impressive when it comes to Newbery criteria is that the characters are beautifully developed. Then there is the intriguing structure, the multiple voices and story threads. It is funny, thought-provoking, and packs an emotional punch.

I agree completely with Monica, great book, Newbery contender!

I loved this book! Read it in one day because I couldn't stop reading. The characters are all so interesting and different.

I also love this book, and just like Mimi, I couldn't put it down, either! The characters are each trying to feel whole in some way, even if they don't all realize it (Kaori and Chet). It is definitely a Newbery contender, in my opinion!

Just finished reading this book. I think it's a quiet Newbery contender. Engaging characters and plot, cleverly weaving four lives together.

Yes, quietly Newbery. I did want the bite and well incidents to be a little more sensational, but the story worked out beautifully as it was. Virgil wouldn't have liked finding himself in the limelight.

I enjoyed this book. And although the ending ended fine, it just felt a little rushed. I liked how the author wove the story of the four (five) lives together into one story. The ending was just a little disappointing. I guess this is my pet peeve. Midnight Without a Moon is my definite favorite so far with Lucky Broken Girl close behind that. I think these two books stand out far more than Hello, Universe.

I enjoyed the language in this book and the more delicate handling of the bullies point of view and the young crush aspect. I found the plot to be predictable. I even found some of the characters to be at first glance kind of stereotypes that I have seen in other books. There was a quiet Asian kid, a bigger white boy who bullies smaller quieter kids, a quirky young one who follows her older sister around. I enjoyed the book and will be recommending it, but I was not blown away by this one.

This book was well-written and tidy--but a bit too predictable. Nothing about it really stood out to me as extraordinary. Not one I would rush to hand off to someone... Just OK for me.

This was a nice, story but I thought Blackbird Fly was a little more memorable. It has heart, but I'm not sure it's the highest Newbery quality.

This one pulled through with the ending for me. I thought it started a little slow, but I thought the ending made this one a contender. I agree that the character development was beautiful and what lovely three dimensional characters there was too, as each of them changed and grew throughout the book. I wasnt quite as mesmerized by this one as The Land of the Forgotten Girls, and there are others I've read this year that I, personally, enjoyed more, but I think it definitely has potential! I am excited to booktalk this on school visits to see how kids react to the cover/concept.

Of all the books we have read this year, this one is my favorite. Like others, I thought the character development was excellent. I found the whole book to be charming. I also feel that it may be a quiet Newbery contender, but with the anticipation of so many great books coming out later this year it's hard to say.

I loved the language and writing in this book. I'm not sure how the Newbery Committe will react to it, but I think it may be looked at for the Schneider Family book award.

I so enjoyed this book and wondered throughout how it would end. The ending did not disappoint! When Virgil went to Chet's house at the end I wanted to stand up and cheer! This book seemed to offer a little of everything: a bully, a quirky horoscope reader, a painfully shy boy, and a hearing impaired girl. I would not think all of those characters could work so well together but Erin Kelly created the perfect plot for them. I never read Forgotten Girls but certainly will now!

I'm still left a bit torn. On the one hand, the start of the story put a frown on my face and I was irked at several characters. On the other hand, the ending had me wanting to give the book a little hug. It's an odd feeling. The realistic middle school culture, fascinatingly unique main characters, and perfect ending would have my recommending it in a heartbeat. The frustratingly flat side characters, cruel bullying, and depressing beginning has me holding back. One could argue that the depressing parts are what, in fact, make the ending so sweet and that the flat side characters are really just to let the main characters shine. One could argue a lot of things with this book. But in the end, I will say that I appreciate its complexity and heart, and will leave it a Newbery contender.

Marcie wrote: "...I think it might be looked at for the Schneider family book award."
There are many books this year that contain characters who have disabilities. Some that I am familiar with are: Hello Universe, Goldfish Boy, See you in the Cosmos, Someday Birds, Short. This is good news since people with disabilities have not been represented in many children's books of the past. It should be an exciting year for members of the Schneider family book award committee. I do hope some of these books are also able to hold their own with other award committees.

Kate wrote: "Marcie wrote: "...I think it might be looked at for the Schneider family book award."
There are many books this year that contain characters who have disabilities. Some that I am familiar with are:..."

Kate - I have not read Someday Birds, but i have read all the others and enjoyed all of them!

LS - I think The Someday Birds is my favorite so far this year!

Alyx wrote: "LS - I think The Someday Birds is my favorite so far this year!"

I finished The Someday Birds in one day! Beautifully written. I thought it would be predictable, but no. And the character of Charlie was so genuine and not based on a stereotype. Wonderful book!

I have read 5 or 6 titles so far this year, and I totally agree! I love The Someday Birds! I also liked Train I Ride and Hello Universe.

Kate wrote: "Marcie wrote: "...I think it might be looked at for the Schneider family book award."
There are many books this year that contain characters who have disabilities. Some that I am familiar with are:..."

I liked Goldfish Boy as well - but the author is Australian. I know that disqualifies Newbery.

Kristen wrote: "Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly is a powerful book that helps us all understand that there is always another point of view.

Do you think it is a Newbery Con..."

Kristen wrote: "Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly is a powerful book that helps us all understand that there is always another point of view.

Do you think it is a Newbery Con..."

Absolutely! Loved it. I read it almost in one sitting. Great combination of quirky personalities. All the characters show some growth. There are lots of caring adults. A great friendship story.

I read this book very quickly, because I found the characters very interesting and truly enjoyed seeing the plot unfold. Having many points of view can make a book really tricky to follow, but I think Kelly did a good job. I certainly hope this is a contender.

I really did like this book, but I read it not thinking about it being a Newbery contender and I can't really say that I think it is, but I can't say that it isn't! I mean to me, it was good, very good, but I don't know...It just didn't WOW me. https://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2017...

I just read Ashes to Asheville. I really liked this one. The only thing was that it resolved as little too quickly and improbably, but what a great story.

I thought this one was lovely in an understated way - and I think sometimes harder to pull off than a flashier, more plot-driven story. I thought all the characters came to life, and the use of voice really drove the story. It didn't blow me away, but I think it's worthy of consideration.

I'm here for the three-dimensional characters, and I'll stick around for the terrific stories Lola tells, and I'll come back for the humor and wit (particularly Kaori's). I loved the strong girls, the empathetic boy, and the nontraditional romantic (or maybe just platonic, which would honestly be a little more awesome) storyline and ending. I'm all about this novel.

Also, for the record, I listened to this book. Audiobook fans: the narrators are terrific, and I can't recommend it enough.

Newbery worthy? Stranger things (and in my opinion, less worthy things) have happened. Per some of the critiques, I'll allow that some characters start off as cliches (e.g. the Bull), but the route all the characters take is so creative. I'd love to see some medal-age.

I really enjoyed Hello Universe. It is not an obvious, shining stand out, but as others have mentioned, a quiet yet serious contender. The story is tidy and mildly predictable, but the characters are unique and realistic; the kind of kids I'd like to be friends with. I hope it gets at least an honor nod.

I agree with most of the previous commenters that the strength of this book lies in its character development - but it felt a little overstuffed and a bit overwrought to me. We learned almost too much about each character. The plot was nonexistent (compared, for instance, to THE GIRL IN THE WELL IS ME).

Would not be my choice for Newbery recognition.

I enjoyed this book. I chose it for my Mock Newbery. I interested to see how many kids enjoy it.