A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness and the impact on family dynamics. Readers find protagonist Hattie engaging and authentic, resonating with many. Some, however, feel the narrative is slow-paced and wish for a deeper exploration of secondary characters. Overall, it's a touching and thoughtful read.

A reader who would enjoy A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is typically an adolescent or young adult who appreciates heartfelt coming-of-age stories. Fans of Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons or Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will find Martin’s exploration of family dynamics, mental illness, and self-discovery deeply engaging.

In Ann M. Martin's middle-grade novel, A Corner of the Universe, Hattie Owen's life changes the summer she turns 12 and meets Adam, her uncle with mental health issues who had been kept a secret. Shy Hattie bonds with Adam and learns the importance of friendship, acceptance, and family communication while navigating mature situations. It includes themes of mental illness and suicide.

Contemplative / Emotional / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Melancholic

- A Corner of the Universe won the Newbery Honor in 2003, recognizing its excellence in children's literature.
- The novel is set in the 1960s and closely reflects author Ann M. Martin's interest in portraying the complexities of small-town life during that era.

**Hattie Owen**  
Hattie is a shy and responsible almost-12-year-old girl who helps around her family’s boardinghouse and enjoys a simple, routine-filled life in her small town during the summer.

**Adam Mercer**  
Adam is Hattie's enthusiastic and socially awkward 21-year-old uncle with a deep love for I Love Lucy, whose arrival shakes up the routines of Hattie's family life.

**Nana (Harriet Mercer)**  
Nana is Hattie's grandmother, a strict matriarch who values propriety and social standing, and struggles to accept those who do not fit her ideal.

**Papa (Hayden Mercer)**  
A wealthy and influential lawyer, Papa has difficulty expressing emotions but shows his love through actions, particularly concerning Adam.

**Mom (Dorothy Owen)**  
Hattie’s mother, who balances her family’s needs with her own background of wealth and status, and expresses her love and support through thoughtful actions.

**Dad (Jonathan Owen)**  
Hattie's artistic and industrious father, who supports his family through his work at the boardinghouse while pursuing his creative passions.

**Leila Cahn**  
Fred Carmel’s niece and a kind-hearted girl who travels with a carnival, connecting easily with Hattie and accepting people for who they are.

**Miss Hagerty**  
An elderly boardinghouse resident who serves as a grandmother figure to Hattie, offering friendship and comfort with her warmth and wisdom.

**Mr. Penny**  
A retired clock repairman residing in the boardinghouse, who is characterized by his busy nature and initial disinterest in children.

**Angel Valentine**  
A sophisticated and ambitious young woman aiming to advance her career beyond her current job as a bank secretary, initially admired by Hattie.

**Nancy O’Neil and Janet White**  
Two girls who are known for bullying those they deem different, contributing to Hattie’s social anxiety in school.

**The Strowsky Family**  
A struggling family staying at the Owens’ boardinghouse, with Mrs. Strowsky taking on new work and Catherine becoming friends with Hattie and Betsy.

Ann M. Martin

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore A Corner of the Universe and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Corner of the Universe Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Corner of the Universe Background

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chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 4

A Corner of the Universe Prologue-Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

A Corner of the Universe Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-14

A Corner of the Universe Chapters 10-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-19

A Corner of the Universe Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

A Corner of the Universe Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Corner of the Universe Character Analysis

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Themes

A Corner of the Universe Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Corner of the Universe Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Corner of the Universe Important Quotes

Vocabulary

A Corner of the Universe Vocabulary

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Essay Topics

A Corner of the Universe Essay Topics

Quiz

A Corner of the Universe Quiz

A Corner of the Universe Further Reading & Resources

A Corner of the Universe

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Corner of the Universe?

Reading Age

Book Details