Candace, the Universe, and Everything

Sherri L. Smith is the author of numerous acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books for young people, including Pearl: A Graphic Novel, art by Christine Norrie; American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky, co-authored with Elizabeth Wein; Flygirl, the winner of the California Book Awards’ Gold Medal; The Blossom and the Firefly, the winner of the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators; and Orleans. She teaches creative writing at Hamline University.

Praise for Candace, the Universe, and Everything:A School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year* “A captivating blend of science fiction and coming-of-age ­storytelling that explores friendship, identity, and wonder across generations . . . ­A sophisticated blend of science and ­realism for readers who enjoyed the time-travel ­mystery of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me or the ­intergenerational depth of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon. A strong addition to those seeking diverse speculative fiction with ­emotional resonance.” —School Library Journal, starred review* “A warm, funny, richly nuanced story centering on the complex dynamics of friendships, both among peers and between generations . . . the distinctly 'unordinary' characters are thoroughly winsome, and readers will be well pleased to find the author leading them through an extraordinary quest to a promise of further adventures to come.” —Booklist, starred review“A unique exploration of Black girlhood and womanhood and of intergenerational relationships. . . the impact of Candace seeing herself reflected in the intelligent, accomplished women who have come before is profound. A compelling story of connectedness and the wonder of finding one’s place in the universe.” —The Horn Book“A stellar work of middle-grade science fiction . . . Smith's novel is filled with cosmic metaphors, intergenerational connections, science, and self-discovery . . . With its contemporary When You Reach Me tone, Candace, the Universe, and Everything reminds readers that although the universe is boundless, our connections to each other are limited and thus extremely meaningful.” —Shelf Awareness“With perceptive prose and nods to both “A Wrinkle in Time” and the Underground Railroad, this is a cerebral speculative mystery to be savored.” —The Washington Post“Smith offers nuanced portrayals of the well-rounded characters and their relationships, combined with enjoyable fantasy elements . . . A heartwarming adventure that explores courage, self-belief, and dreams.” —Kirkus Reviews“The trio’s heartwarming bond takes center stage; with help from the older women, who act as her mentors, Candace learns how to navigate friendship woes and a first crush.” —Publishers Weekly“The heart of this story lies with the three generations of Black women who each are confronting drastic life changes (friendship, jobs, and the inevitability of aging) and who find solace in the perspectives they offer one another.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “Inventive, unique, and empowering—a book that transcends time.” —Erin Entrada Kelly, two-time Newbery Medal–winning author of The First State of Being and Hello, Universe“A delightful celebration of intergenerational friendship that blends history, mystery, and science!” —Gene Luen Yang, Printz Award–winning author of American Born Chinese“Gorgeous prose, intricate plotting, and truer-than-true characters—all woven into a fantastical adventure set firmly in our very real world. Honestly, I can’t imagine anyone not loving this surprising, complex, wonderful book. Sherri L. Smith is a writer of ‘unordinary’ brilliance and imagination.” —Laurel Snyder, award-winning author of Orphan Island“A captivating, funny, and altogether ingenious tale about a girl dealing with the seismic social shifts of eighth grade while trying to solve a mystery that brings the fundamental nature of the universe into question. Sherri L. Smith is one of the most exciting writers in the field, and, once again, she has done something extraordinary.” —Anne Ursu, award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy