Hello, Universe

I wish we could have more of virgil, valencia, kaori, and gen's adventures!!

I really loved the diverse characters and all their personalities, the filipino folklore and tales by virgil's lola, and the relationship dynamics in this story. I've been reading a lot more middle grade books lately and i've been enjoying them all so far. this one definitely did not disappoint.

i love how we were able to see the bully's perspective as well and how his personality (and why he is the way he is) is greatly influenced by his father.

apart from this being such an easy read, ms kelly does a great job of writing her characters and how she highlights their interests and personalities, and their relationships w the other characters. i love how this book teaches younger readers how sometimes society can label you and treat you differently because you're “different” i.e. virgil being too shy or needing extra help with math, and valencia being deaf, but that doesn't need to be your identity.

she writes and describes how people treat valencia differently and act uncomfortable towards her because she's deaf, as well as how virgil's parents, especially his mom, call him a nickname that isn't cute at all when you find out the meaning behind it, and it's so heartbreaking because these are some things that people really do go through.

as sad some parts are, i really have to highlight how this is such a great book for having such diverse characters but the story not necessarily focusing on their diversity, and for having such inquisitive and courageous characters. i'm so glad we get to see more of these books and younger filipino kids being able to relate to characters that they read about.

this was such a wonderful read and absolutely loved every bit of it!

2.5

It was fine, but I don't think it was award worthy. Or particularly memorable.

The abundant use of the R word bothered me. It was apparently one of the only insults the bully, Chet, knew and every scene he's in he says it about half a dozen times, but not it's never really addressed why that is not ok to say.