Christina Li's Clues to the Universe has garnered praise for its heartfelt storytelling, engaging characters, and exploration of friendship and grief. Positive reviews highlight the strong emotional impact and authentic representation of diverse experiences. However, some critique it for a slow narrative pace. Overall, the novel is commended for its depth and relatability.

Li, Christina. Clues to the Universe. HarperCollins, 2021.

Fans of Clues to the Universe by Christina Li are likely middle-grade readers who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with themes of friendship, loss, and scientific curiosity. Comparable to those who love Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Front Desk by Kelly Yang, they will appreciate the heartfelt and inspiring journey.

Clues to the Universe by Christina Li follows two middle school students who form an unlikely friendship. Together, they explore personal challenges and the mysteries of space, driven by a mutual love for science and a quest to find answers about a lost parent. Their journey highlights themes of loss, discovery, and resilience.

- Clues to the Universe by Christina Li was the winner of the 2018 Lee & Low Books New Voices Award, showcasing its recognition for outstanding diversity and storytelling.
- The novel features themes of friendship and coping with loss, set against a backdrop involving science and art, creating a unique blend of STEM and creative exploration.
- Christina Li, in her debut novel, draws inspiration from her own childhood love for science, especially her fascination with space exploration and astronautics.

Contemplative / Heartwarming / Inspirational / Nostalgic / Emotional

**Ro**  
A 12-year-old girl entering middle school, who is inquisitive and scientific, struggling with the recent death of her father and working to find meaning and honor his memory through a rocket-building project.

**Benji**  
A 12-year-old boy and an artist who loves comic books, dealing with feelings of being overshadowed by his brother and on a mission to find his long-lost father, while developing confidence and purpose through friendship.

**Mr. Voltz**  
A neighbor and general store owner who initially appears unapproachable but proves to be kind and intelligent, offering support and understanding to Ro and Benji.

**Ro’s Mom**  
Ro’s supportive and bright mother, who shares their Chinese heritage and works on staying strong after her husband’s death, encouraging Ro’s friendships and pursuits.

**Benji’s Mom**  
A serious and protective figure who is concerned about Benji’s grades and struggles with unresolved feelings toward Benji's father, demonstrating growth in her support for Benji's aspirations.

**Danny**  
Benji’s older brother, seen by Benji as a seemingly perfect hero-type due to his achievements, who reveals his own challenges and vulnerabilities.

**Benji’s Dad**  
An illustrator known for his comic series, who is largely absent until later in the story, seeking to make amends with Benji for leaving the family to pursue his dreams.

**Drew**  
A classmate and former friend of Benji, whose growing frustration leads to increasingly severe pranks, ultimately becoming an antagonist through his actions against Benji and Ro.

Christina Li

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Before You Read

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Overview

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Clues to the Universe Summary and Study Guide

Background

Clues to the Universe Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Clues to the Universe Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

Clues to the Universe Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-24

Clues to the Universe Chapters 15-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-32

Clues to the Universe Chapters 25-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 33-Epilogue

Clues to the Universe Chapter 33-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Clues to the Universe Character Analysis

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Themes

Clues to the Universe Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Clues to the Universe Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Clues to the Universe Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Clues to the Universe

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Who Should Read Clues to the Universe?

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