Clues to the Universe is my latest middle grade obsession. It’s been a while since I’ve read one but this one is adorable. Featuring complex family feels, STEM girls, and friendship. Keep reading this book review of Clues to the Universe for my full thoughts.
Summary
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: Benji helps Ro finish her rocket, and Ro 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 must try to piece together clues to some of the biggest questions in the universe.
Review
We love to see more STEM girls in middle grade! I loved this dual POV story! While I fell in love with Ro immediately – we love an ambitious space focused girl boss – it was so easy to fall in love with Benji. I adored how both of them are so different, but living with grief and unresolved feelings for their dads. The complex family dynamics is one of my favorite elements of Clues to the Universe. Overall, Clues to the Universe is a book that has it all! If you love friendship stories where you think you don’t need a friend, but realize how wrong you are – this is for you!
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Budding friendship in unlikely places is the name of the game. Clues to the Universe is heartwarming and precious. What happens when we pin all our hopes onto one thing and it might fail? Clues to the Universe tackles the fear not only of losing, but also of success. If you’re looking for a precious middle grade story, pick up Clues to the Universe. Find Clues to the Universe on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.