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A Corner of the Universe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Ann M. Martin

A Corner of the Universe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Small town, USA • 1960s

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

750L

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Super Short Summary

In Ann M. Martin's middle-grade novel, A Corner of the Universe, Hattie Owen's life changes the summer she turns 12 and meets Adam, her uncle with mental health issues who had been kept a secret. Shy Hattie bonds with Adam and learns the importance of friendship, acceptance, and family communication while navigating mature situations. It includes themes of mental illness and suicide.

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

15,676 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness and the impact on family dynamics. Readers find protagonist Hattie engaging and authentic, resonating with many. Some, however, feel the narrative is slow-paced and wish for a deeper exploration of secondary characters. Overall, it's a touching and thoughtful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Corner of the Universe?

A reader who would enjoy A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is typically an adolescent or young adult who appreciates heartfelt coming-of-age stories. Fans of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons or Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will find Martin’s exploration of family dynamics, mental illness, and self-discovery deeply engaging.

4.4

15,676 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Hattie Owen

Hattie is a shy and responsible almost-12-year-old girl who helps around her family’s boardinghouse and enjoys a simple, routine-filled life in her small town during the summer.

Adam is Hattie's enthusiastic and socially awkward 21-year-old uncle with a deep love for I Love Lucy, whose arrival shakes up the routines of Hattie's family life.

Nana is Hattie's grandmother, a strict matriarch who values propriety and social standing, and struggles to accept those who do not fit her ideal.

A wealthy and influential lawyer, Papa has difficulty expressing emotions but shows his love through actions, particularly concerning Adam.

Hattie’s mother, who balances her family’s needs with her own background of wealth and status, and expresses her love and support through thoughtful actions.

Hattie's artistic and industrious father, who supports his family through his work at the boardinghouse while pursuing his creative passions.

Fred Carmel’s niece and a kind-hearted girl who travels with a carnival, connecting easily with Hattie and accepting people for who they are.

An elderly boardinghouse resident who serves as a grandmother figure to Hattie, offering friendship and comfort with her warmth and wisdom.

A retired clock repairman residing in the boardinghouse, who is characterized by his busy nature and initial disinterest in children.

A sophisticated and ambitious young woman aiming to advance her career beyond her current job as a bank secretary, initially admired by Hattie.

Two girls who are known for bullying those they deem different, contributing to Hattie’s social anxiety in school.

A struggling family staying at the Owens’ boardinghouse, with Mrs. Strowsky taking on new work and Catherine becoming friends with Hattie and Betsy.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Small town, USA • 1960s

Publication Year

2002

Publisher

Scholastic

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

750L

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