Mr. Universe

The excerpt is the opening four paragraphs from Mr. Universe which set readers up brilliantly for the quirky, fast-paced adventure resulting from Michael’s misstep into a pan of heavy water on the floor of his uncle’s quantum multiverse transporter lab. Upon his arrival in the new universe (“Earth Two”) “almost exactly like ours” Michael is mistaken for Mick, the friend of a girl named Emily. As a result of this mistaken identity, Michael is whisked off to school with Emily – a girl he is instantly attracted to.

Initially Michael’s phone does not work in this new universe, but he does manage a short conversation with his uncle, just long enough for his uncle to warn him about the dangers of being on “Earth Two”. Men in gray suits with lizard eyes, who are charged with keeping the atomic balance in each universe, chase Michael and Emily. This chase ultimately leads Michael to the “Earth Two” location of his Uncle Henry’s home where Aunt Henry – also an inventor – lives. She is able to jerry-rig things so Michael can charge his phone and Aunt Henry can get the necessary information from Uncle Henry to send Michael back to Earth One.

The humour Slade uses in his depiction of “Earth Two” is charming. People and things are equivalent, but not equal. Uncle Henry is Aunt Henry. Cars have three wheels. Orange is the cell phone manufacturer. Croke is a drink, and so on. The characters are engaging. The story is told in the first person through Michael who is charming, insecure yet has some skills – such as hot-wiring cars that tell readers there is more to Michael than meets the eye. Emily is brainy and compassionate. Clearly the model for Uncle/Aunt Henry is Dr. Emmett Brown.

Mr. Universe, an “Orca Soundings” title, is a fast-paced read that will keep readers engaged every second. With a male protagonist and a strong female accomplice, this title will be a great addition to school and public libraries.