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224
Novel • Fiction
Small town, USA • 1960s
2002
Scholastic
Middle grade
10-14 years
750L
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
15,676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
15,676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Adam Mercer
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 (Harriet Mercer)
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.
Papa (Hayden Mercer)
A wealthy and influential lawyer, Papa has difficulty expressing emotions but shows his love through actions, particularly concerning Adam.
Mom (Dorothy Owen)
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.
Dad (Jonathan Owen)
Hattie's artistic and industrious father, who supports his family through his work at the boardinghouse while pursuing his creative passions.
Leila Cahn
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.
Miss Hagerty
An elderly boardinghouse resident who serves as a grandmother figure to Hattie, offering friendship and comfort with her warmth and wisdom.
Mr. Penny
A retired clock repairman residing in the boardinghouse, who is characterized by his busy nature and initial disinterest in children.
Angel Valentine
A sophisticated and ambitious young woman aiming to advance her career beyond her current job as a bank secretary, initially admired by Hattie.
Nancy O’Neil and Janet White
Two girls who are known for bullying those they deem different, contributing to Hattie’s social anxiety in school.
The Strowsky Family
A struggling family staying at the Owens’ boardinghouse, with Mrs. Strowsky taking on new work and Catherine becoming friends with Hattie and Betsy.
224
Novel • Fiction
Small town, USA • 1960s
2002
Scholastic
Middle grade
10-14 years
750L
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