One of the best books I have read in 2020! Clues To the Universe is set in the 1980s and is told in alternating POV: Ro and Benji, both 12-year-olds who become friends after being assigned lab partners. Benji's father mysteriously disappeared and a comic book he authored is the only clue as to where he is. Ro's father died, and she wants more than anything in the world is to launch a rocket. This book of deep grief, loss, and then being found will stay with readers for a very long time. It also features my absolute favorite middle grade trope: a road trip. Clues To The Universe is a must read! 5/5 stars.

I absolutely loved this story, and my 6th graders will, too. These two (Benji and Ro) were unlikely friends yet filled a piece in each other’s hearts that was missing. The secondary characters like Danny, Drew and Mr. Voltz had their own storylines that somehow didn’t draw attention from the main one. I appreciated that there wasn’t an expected ending, yet it was satisfying on many levels. My students are all going to want to have a friend like Benji and/or Ro.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming book. I loved the touching depiction of dealing with grief, and feeling like you’re different, and dealing with a bully. It was wonderful to see the friendship between such opposites - a science fan and an art fan!

So so so wholesome my heart is bursting. Friendship, dealing with grief, family, and ROCKET SCIENCE! I wish I read something like this as a kid pursuing STEM. This book deserves everything.

I don't read a lot of middle grade but this book was so cute. I really enjoyed the characters. They felt real and authentic. The story felt real and the stakes were high. I thought the ending was very heartwarming and this is a book that I would recommend to any middle-grader.

This story is told in a dual POV, alternating between Ro (an unapologetically smart, determined, fierce main character who isn't afraid to stand up to the bullies in her life despite the gaping hole in her heart caused by the loss of her beloved father) and Benji (a meandering artist whose heart still aches for the father who walked out of his life, leaving Benji, his mother, and his older brother to fend for themselves.) The unlikely pair end up striking a deal: Benji will help Ro build a rocket for the science fair and Ro will help him track down his father. This heartfelt, historical story tackles themes of grief and loss as well as friendship and bullying and will appeal to fans of Erin Entrada Kelly's We Dream of Space.

This book tore my heart to pieces and put it back together and I did NOT see that coming. Don't get me wrong, I knew this book deals with grief, it's right there in the synopsis, but what I didn't expect is how beautiful the depiction was and how soft and tender and heart achingly sweet this book would be.

Clues to the Universe is a story set in the 1980s (which I didn't know, for some reason I thought it was a contemporary) that showcases a beautiful friendship between Ro, a biracial Chinese-American girl whose only dream is to be a rocket scientist and Benji, a white boy whose head is full of dreams and fictional stories he renders in drawings. What I loved most about their friendship is how genuine and real it felt, how there was so much love in it, but also conflict like between any 12 year olds navigating the dynamics of a new friendship while also dealing with their own grief and heartache, but being there for each other above all. Conflict and differences be damned.

The exploration of grief is genuinely some of my favorite I've ever read, it's so simple yet complex. It shows just how insidious grief can be, how it's not just this overwhelming feeling that takes over all the time, how it can also be found in small ways, in day to day mundane things, in little reminders that feel like a punch in the gut. Clues to the Universe shows that grief ebbs and flows and never truly goes away. It also shows through both Ro and Benji's feelings and actions how even though it's a universal experience, different people experience it and cope with it differently.

All of the above makes the book so bittersweet, the perfect read to cuddle up with on a rainy day.

Clues to the Universe is a very enjoyable middle grade book. This book stands out in that it takes place in the 1980s and has diverse characters, but it still has the universal themes of friendship and overcoming obstacles to reach your hopes and dreams. This book alternates narration from the two main characters, Ro and Benji, who are seventh graders who form a friendship as a result of a folder mix up during science class. The alternating voice helps character development, but sometimes it can interrupt the story’s flow. Occasionally I had to stop reading to check to see whose turn it was telling the story. Ro and Benji both have their own personal missions that they are trying to accomplish, and they make a pact to help each other out. They become closer friends as they work together on a science fair project (as well as their personal missions) and deal with obstacles along the way. Both relate to each other because they are missing father figures.

As an adult who grew up in the 1980s, I found many situations in the story relatable and understandable while reading this book. However, my fifth-grade daughter, who didn’t grow up in the 1980s, had a much harder time relating to the setting of the book. The year the book takes place is introduced in such a subtle way (Ro describing the Columbia launch) that someone unaware of the historic event’s time frame may find themselves a little lost as they get further into the book, wondering why the characters aren’t using cell phones or the Internet as first steps to solve their problems. This book was slow to start but the story picked up mid-way and soon I became totally invested in the characters as they got closer to reaching their goals. When success was within their grasp, I found myself rooting for these characters and wanting to keep reading to experience the characters finding success.

Overall, the story and writing are excellent. The dialogue is smooth, the characters are likeable, and the plot progresses at a good pace. There are only a few parts where the reader might stop to try to make sense of the story – for example, in one scene in Chapter 8, Benji’s mom personally hands him a letter from his friend Amir, which he takes into his room to read. Moments later, she follows him into his room and asks, “What’s that?” as if she forgot what she had just handed him. And, in Chapter 12, Benji’s mom is described as not having liked Drew – Benji’s former best friend and the bully that Ro and Benji deal with – very much. Benji’s mom calls Drew a troublemaker and says that she doesn’t want Benji associating with someone like that but then the story doesn’t explain what happened with Danny (Benji’s brother) and Ellis (Drew’s brother), who were also best friends (and the reason Drew became friends with Benji in the first place). Are they still best friends? Does Benji’s mom mind if they are? Or did they have a falling out too? It is not explained, and you are left wondering how Benji’s mom can be okay with Danny and Ellis being friends but not with Drew and Benji being friends. It is a nitpicky detail that really doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme of things, but wondering about details like these might keep a reader from fully enjoying this otherwise wonderful and well-written book.

It is nice to see cultural details included throughout the book, such as Ro’s mom calling her “baobao,” or Amir referring to his “baba,” which added authenticity to the story. However, it felt stereotypical that the Asian character was the science/math “nerd.”

The heart-felt ending is satisfying and inspires the reader to further reflect on the story and the situation of the two characters. I would recommend this book to all middle grade students.

Thank you to the publisher HarperCollins and Net Galley for a copy of the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Growing up my best friend was the boy who lived next door, we used to play for hours drawing pictures and playing in his backyard, so I'm always drawn to stories that feature a strong boy and girl friendship. Ro and Benji are such endearing characters who at first don't have much in common. Ro likes science and working on her model rocket to commemorate her father, Benji is an artist who hopes that the extra credit from the science fair will improve his grade enough so his mom won't force him to give up his art class. What connects the two is how they feel about their dad's. Ro is grieving the loss of hers and Benji wants to connect with his, never really having known him since he left when he was still very young. All that Benji knows about his life boils down to a box of his things. This is a really sweet story and love how it alternates between Ro and Benji's points of view. While the story portrays Ro's grief over her father's death, it also has these very enjoyable playful moments that Benji and Ro share, like when Ro catches Benji being distracted in class, and nudges him to "pay attention doofus." Despite having a strong friendship, they do have a moment where they have a falling apart, which makes them resolving things that much sweeter. The adults in the story also were something that really stood out to me, like Mr. Voltz, Ro's elderly next door neighbor and both Ro and Benji's mothers. Such a delightful read and brought to mind my own youthful friendships. *Thank you to the Quill Tree Books for the E-ARC*

Comic-loving artist meets aerospace science loving detail oriented planner in this story about friendship, loss, making your dreams come true, understanding the universe, and standing up for and supporting those around you. This story was hard to put down! There's strength, intelligence and hope in these characters, and their stories are too interesting to walk away from while you are still in the middle of reading them. Fabulous debut with so much to rave about!

4.5 stars!

Clues to the Universe did a fantastic job navigating the challenges of friendship at an age where you're still trying to figure yourself out and don't always know how to be a good friend. Middle school is tough and then when you add in the loss of a parent and bullying, it becomes even tougher. I hope this book is an encouragement to kids as they navigate these issues and inspires them to pursue STEM and artistic dreams.

I also really liked some of the historical context included in the book, particularly as someone (I can't believe I'm going to admit this!) who was born in 1983. So I enjoyed reading a book set in the world I was born into. Overall, an OwnVoices read I'll definitely be recommending!

With thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for an early copy in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Christina & HarperCollins for the ARC!

Clues to the Universe has been one of the first middle-grade books I've read that tackle so many emotions and heavy topics. Christina Li brings up PTSD, grief, and the underlying racism in bullying for being "different".

I loved the STEM aspect and having Ro and soon Benji so invested in the science fair. It induced such a nostalgic feeling and it encourages young readers to be interested in STEM subjects especially young girls. Not only does it encourages STEM subjects, but the arts as well with Benji being such a talented artist.

Ro and Benji were such charming characters and I loved them the moment we are introduced to them. Throughout the book, their development was so smoothly done and beautiful that it keeps readers invested. Both Ro and Benji have characteristics and traits that are easily relatable to many including adult readers. They tackle many real-world problems and being able to relate to these characters makes you root for them and want the best for them.

I absolutely LOVED Clues to the Universe and hope many young readers will pick this up and be influenced by such amazing characters.

Middle school years are hard enough without loss, bullying, and grief. In this wonderful novel, Christina Li tells a story of true friendship between Ro and Benji who help each other through challenging times, while trying to answer some of the biggest questions in the universe. Honest, relatable, and beautifully written.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so much fun! Not only is the story extremely interesting, the characters are so loveable and so fun to read. I fell in love with Ro and Benji immediately and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next in their adventure.

This story shows you that it’s okay if things don’t go right all the time and that it’s okay to take your time processing whatever it is you’re going through. It’s a story about friendship and dealing with grief & loss, and it’s easily one of the best middle grade novels I’ve read.

Author Li has her finger on the pulse of 7th graders. Everyone is trying to carve out their niche in the school social order and those who are a bit different, new, smart or nerdy get the attention of the bully. Partnered in science class, newcomer Ro and Benji are worlds apart in paying attention in class. When a mix up in homework folders occurs, they each realize that the person sitting next to them has problems and secrets which go far beyond the classroom. Working together on their science fair project allows both of them to understand and sympathize with each other about the issues in their personal lives that they don't want to face. When the opportunity arises to solve a mystery from Benji's past, Ro takes charge, leaving Benji feeling like it is not his problem to solve at all; he blows up and their friendship is now in jeopardy. When Benji goes missing, Ro must follow the clues to find her friend.

Weaving together family issues, a move to a new school, boy/girl relationships, bullies and keeping your dreams alive along with compassion for misunderstood adults, Li has created a readable, enjoyable and totally relatable tale for upper elementary and middle school readers.

It's 1983, and Ro is starting a new school. After the death of her father, her mother could no longer afford the tuition at her private school. She is anxious about being new, but switches folders in science class with Benji by mistake, and the two are intrigued by each other and strike up a friendship, eating lunch together in the cafeteria instead of hiding. Ro is trying to build a model rocket, because she and her father were interested in the space shuttle, and Benji draws comics. Ro asks a neighbor, Mr. Voltz, for help with her project, since he was involved in radio operations during the war and is missing his own family. Benji is sure that the author of one of his favorites is actually his father, who left when he was very young. His mother won't discuss him, but his older brother is somewhat sympathetic to his search. There is a boy at school giving both Ro and Benji a hard time; he even destroys their science fair poster. Ro finds out that her mother is thinking about moving them closer to her extended Chinese family. When Benji finds out that his father is coming to a comic con a couple of hours away, he approaches Ro about going with him, but the two have a falling out. When Benji goes missing, Ro knows where to find him. Will the two be able to rectify their family lives, explore their own interests, and get on with their lives... even if they are separated.
Strengths: This was well written and fairly engaging. Ro starts out very anxious, but quickly warms up and her passion for rocketry. Benji's interest in comics will connect with a lot of readers. Their friendship is mutually beneficial, and they learn from each other's strong points. I found the families to be particularly well portrayed. While both are missing their fathers, they are trying to find positive ways forward, which keeps the book from being too sad and slow.
Weaknesses: If it hadn't been specifically stated that this was set in 1983, there would have been no way to know. Aside from the lack of technology, the setting and reactions seem very modern. It seemed very odd that Benji's mother would have been so secretive about his father. Also, any self-respecting middle school boy in 1983 would have gone by Ben rather than Benji, since the 1974 movie by that title was still fresh in everyone's mind. Half the dogs I knew were called Benji.
What I really think: The friendship between Ro and Benji, as well as their relationship with their family, makes this seem like more of an elementary school book. Had it been more humorous or had more adventure, I would have bought it, but since so much of the realistic fiction being published skews to the sad and philosophical, I am well stocked on titles like this.

CLUES TO THE UNIVERSE tells the story of the aspiring rocket scientist Ro and budding comic artist Benji, who both are struggling with the loss of their fathers, and find an unlikely bond through comics and a rocket-building science project. Li has a way of creating characters that you want to be friends with, and that you care about in just a few pages. The STEM elements in this book are especially welcoming. Who needs to buy a radio if you have a friend like Ro who can make one in her lab? Benji, Ro, and even secondary characters like their moms and Mr Voltz are all beautifully expressed, and the author aptly shows how each person processes loss in their own heart-wrenching way
This was a highly engaging and emotional read! It reminds us all that life rarely goes as planned, but the journey is always better with good friends by your side. I look forward to the author's next book! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC to this wonderful story.

Easily one of the best middle grade novels I’ve read recently. This is a pitch-perfect story exploring friendship, grief, and family. Young readers will relate to and be engaged by the main characters. Not only a thoroughly enjoyable story, it will also serve as a springboard for many conversations with students. Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a budding friendship between two kids who are wrestling through life's big questions around loss, family, and their place in the universe. The alternating POV really helped the two main characters come alive so that I found myself alternately grieving along with them, cheering them on, and hungry for pork buns! The book is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoyed Erin Entrada Kelly's We Dream of Space with its 1980s setting and space/astronomy themes.

This book was so emotional and sweet. I love how different, but also similar, Ro and Benji are. Their friendship is so wacky, but I loved reading about them. Their story was so beautiful and I love how they cheer each other on. Even when faced by bullies and friendship problems, they know how to stay true to one another. I especially love the ending, which was so nice and sweet. I really enjoyed this book! It is perfect for readers ages 9-12.