Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It

Winner of the Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award, this acclaimed, multicultural book about a biracial boy with a passion for science will resonate with children everywhere who can't--or won't--be defined by categories.

Ten-year-old Brendan Buckley is a self-declared scientist: asking questions and looking for answers, but most of all struggling against the overprotective behavior of his parents. Up until now, he has never even met his grandfather--the grandfather his mother won't even speak of.

A chance encounter brings Brendan and his grandfather together where Brendan initiates a relationship with estranged grandfather, Ed DeBose. While they share a passion for geology, they do not share the color of their skin; Brendan's skin is brown, not pink like Ed DeBose's. Pretty soon, Brendan sets out to uncover the reason behind Ed's absence but soon discovers that family secrets can't be explained by science.

A winner of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award, this is a novel about a boy learning about race relations and what it means to be a family.

An NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year

Frazier writes affectingly about what being biracial means in twenty-first century America. --School Library Journal

Brendan is an appealing character with a sense of honor. . . . A good, accessible selection to inspire discussion of racism and prejudice. --Kirkus Reviews

Frazier delivers her messages without using an overly heavy hand. Brendan is a real kid with a passion for science and also a willingness to push his parents' rules. --Booklist

Author: Sundee T. Frazier
Publisher: Yearling Books
Published: 09/09/2008
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.30lbs
Size: 7.60h x 5.10w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780440422068
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 118066 / Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It


Award: Rhode Island Children's Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Sunshine State Young Reader's Award - Nominee

About the Author

SUNDEE T. FRAZIER won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It and is the author of the highly acclaimed The Other Half of My Heart. Learn more about her and her books at sundeefrazier.com.