A Corner of the Universe

by Ann M. Martin

Set in the summer of 1960, this is the story of 12-year-old Hattie Owen and the relationship she forges with her mentally ill Uncle Adam. Up until this summer, Hattie has never even known that Uncle Adam existed, because he has been living at a special school in Chicago. When that school closes, Uncle Adam moves in with Hattie and her parents. Hattie quickly warms up to her uncle, a childlike man who loves quoting from episodes of I LOVE LUCY but who also suffers from serious mood swings and is a constant source of embarrassment to his parents, Hattie's grandparents. Hattie, however, accepts the joy she finds in her Uncle Adam, and her friendship with him changes her life. Named one of the Best Children's Books 2002 by Publishers Weekly. A 2003 Newbery Honor book.

Editions of A Corner of the Universe

ISBN 9780439388818	Binding/Format Paperback	Publisher Scholastic Paperbacks	Date 2004	Price $1.00	Very Good
ISBN 9780807216712	Binding/Format Audio Cassette	Publisher Books on Tape	Date 2004	Price $3.08	Very Good
ISBN 9780439388801	Binding/Format Hardcover	Publisher Scholastic	Date 2002	Price $1.00	Very Good

Publisher Notes

The summer she turns 12, Hattie Owen is steeped in the routines of her small town life until the startling arrival of an uncle no one has ever spoken about. Now that Uncle Adam's "school" - an institution for the mentally disabled - is closing, Hattie's family must deal with a childlike young man whose existence they've denied for years. Hattie suddenly experiences a summer in which she learns living life fully means facing both the good times and the bad.

Media Reviews

"Martin's voice for Hattie is likable, clear, and consistent; her prose doesn't falter. A solid, affecting read."

Synopses

The summer that Hattie turns twelve, she meets the childlike uncle she never knew and becomes friends with a girl who works at the carnival that comes to Hattie's small town.