A Corner of the Universe (Scholastic Gold) - by Ann M Martin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Ann Martin's phenomenal Newbery Honor book, now in paperback.

The summer Hattie turns 12, her predictable small-town life is turned on end when her uncle Adam returns home for the first time in over 10 years. Hattie has never met him, never known about him. He's been institutionalized; his condition involves schizophrenia and autism.

Hattie, a shy girl who prefers the company of adults, takes immediately to her excitable uncle, even when the rest of the family -- her parents and grandparents -- have trouble dealing with his intense way of seeing the world. And Adam, too, sees that Hattie is special, that her quiet, shy ways are not a disability.

Review Quotes

Praise for A Corner of the Universe:

* "Martin excels at evoking simply the intricacies of friendship . . . told in the present tense in Hattie's personable voice, the story takes on serious concerns but has equally strong standing as the kind of novel kids mean when they ask for 'a book about friends.'" -- Horn Book Magazine, starred review

* "This is a fully realized roller coaster of emotions, and readers take the ride right along with Hattie." -- Booklist, starred review

* "With characteristic tenderness and wisdom, the author portrays the complex relationship between the sympathetic heroine and her uncle . . . . Hearts will go out to both Hattie and Adam as they step outside the confines of their familiar world to meet some painful challenges." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Martin delivers wonderfully real characters and an engrossing plot through the viewpoint of a girl who tries so earnestly to connect with those around her. This is an important story, as evocative on the subject of mental illness as Ruth White's Memories of Summer (Farrar, 2000)." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "Martin's voice for Hattie is likable, clear, and consistent; her prose doesn't falter. A solid, affecting read." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This bittersweet and quiet story of friendship and loss will appeal to younger readers, as well as to those who have carried the title of 'different.'" -- Voice of Youth Advocates

About the Author

Ann M. Martin is the creator of The Baby-sitters Club, which has more than 190 million books in print, making it one of the most popular series in the history of publishing. Her novels include A Corner of the Universe (a Newbery Honor Book), Belle Teal, Here Today, A Dog's Life, On Christmas Eve, and the Main Street and Family Tree series, as well as the much-loved collaborations P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More with Paula Danziger. Ann lives in upstate New York.