Hello, Universe

Grades 4 - 7

Virgilio is small and shy and dealing with a bully named Chet, plus a major crush on a girl named Valencia, who is smart but lonely, because her former friends can’t handle the fact that she’s deaf.  Katori is convinced that she’s a psychic, and wants to use her powers for good; her little sister Gen also likes to excel at things, and assists Katori in her fledgling fortune-telling business.  Chet tosses Virgilio’s backpack down a dry well and Virgilio goes after it to save his guinea pig Gulliver.  Will Valencia, Katori and Gen be able to find him?  A diverse cast, a tense situation, and a little magic add up to an irresistible read.