Clues to the Universe
on Goodreads (1,105)
What’s inside...
A young girl's journey to uncover the mysteries of the universe and her own heritage, through the clues left by her missing father. This stellar debut by APALA Award–winning author Christina Li about losing and finding family, forging unlikely friendships, and searching for answers to big questions will resonate with fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Rebecca Stead. The only thing Rosalind Ling Geraghty loves more than watching NASA launches with her dad is building rockets with him. When he dies unexpectedly, all Ro has left of him is an unfinished model rocket they had been working on together. Benjamin Burns doesn’t like science, but he can’t get enough of Spacebound, a popular comic book series. When he finds a sketch that suggests that his dad created the comics, he’s thrilled. Too bad his dad walked out years ago, and Benji has no way to contact him. Though Ro and Benji were only supposed to be science class partners, the pair become unlikely friends, and Ro even figures out a way to reunite Benji and his dad. But Benji hesitates, which infuriates Ro. Doesn’t he realize how much Ro wishes she could be in his place? As the two face bullying, grief, and their own differences, Benji and Ro try to piece together clues to some of the biggest questions in the universe. A Washington Post KidsPost Summer Book Club selection, A Junior Library Guild Selection, A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rosalind Ling Geraghty
Benjamin Tam
Ms. Keller
Discussion points
What do you think Ro and Benji learned about friendship and teamwork throughout their journey?
How do you feel about the way Ro uses art to connect with her father? Can you think of a way you express your feelings creatively?
What similarities and differences do you see between yourself and the characters in 'Clues to the Universe'?
Why do you think understanding other people's perspectives is important in solving conflicts?
How do the characters in the book show resilience in dealing with difficult situations? Can you think of a time when you had to be resilient?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, showing genuine interest in their perspectives.
Relate the book's themes to real-life situations in your child's world to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the importance of art and creativity in expressing emotions, just as Ro does in the story.
Affirm and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they share, reinforcing their confidence and emotional intelligence.
Use examples from the book to teach resilience and problem-solving skills, discussing how these skills can be applied in your child’s own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Clues to the Universe', the protagonists, Ro and Benji, form an unlikely friendship that helps them navigate personal challenges. Through collaboration, they find strength and achieve more together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of forming friendships and working together to overcome obstacles, underscoring the importance of teamwork in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and grief
Explanation: Ro deals with the loss of her father and finds solace in her pursuit of his unfinished work. Her journey showcases the different stages of grief and ultimately, acceptance.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand their emotions during tough times, and teaches them healthy ways to cope with loss and grief in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The pursuit of passion and curiosity
Explanation: Benji's love for science and Ro's artistic endeavors highlight how pursuing personal interests can lead to self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own interests and passions, teaching them the importance of self-discovery and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Resilience and determination
Explanation: Despite the setbacks they face, both Ro and Benji demonstrate unwavering determination to achieve their goals, illustrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of perseverance in the face of challenges, encouraging children to remain determined and resilient, regardless of the circumstance.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through their interactions, Ro and Benji learn to understand and empathize with each other’s situations, promoting emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of empathy, helping them to understand and connect with others' feelings and perspectives in everyday life.