The Planet of Junior Brown (novel) facts for kids
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| Author | Virginia Hamilton |
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| Illustrator | Jerry Pinkney |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Published | 1971 (Macmillan) |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 210 |
| ISBN | 9780027425109 |
| OCLC | 210830 |
The Planet of Junior Brown is an exciting young adult novel written by Virginia Hamilton and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. It was first published in 1971. This story follows two unique boys, Junior Brown and Buddy, as they team up with their school's kind janitor, Mr. Pool. Together, they work on a secret project: building a mechanical model of our solar system. The book explores themes of friendship, finding your place, and the power of imagination.
Contents
Exploring the Story
The Planet of Junior Brown introduces readers to Junior Brown, a very large and talented piano player who often skips school. His friend, Buddy Clark, is a clever and resourceful boy who helps Junior navigate the world. They both find a safe haven in a hidden room at their school. This secret space is looked after by Mr. Pool, the school janitor.
The Secret Room and the Solar System
In their secret room, Mr. Pool is building a special mechanical solar system. This project becomes a central part of the boys' lives. It gives them a place to belong and a purpose. The solar system they create is not just a model; it represents their own unique world and their dreams.
Themes of Friendship and Belonging
The novel highlights the strong bond between Junior and Buddy. They support each other through challenges and help each other feel less alone. Mr. Pool acts as a mentor, guiding them and providing a safe space. The story teaches us about the importance of friendship and finding people who understand you.
About the Author and Illustrator
Virginia Hamilton was a famous American writer known for her children's and young adult books. She won many awards for her stories, which often explored themes of identity, history, and the African American experience. Jerry Pinkney is a celebrated illustrator whose artwork has brought many books to life. His drawings for The Planet of Junior Brown help readers imagine the characters and their world.
Awards and Recognition
The Planet of Junior Brown received several important awards and honors. These awards show how much people appreciated the book's story and its message.
- In 1971, it was named a "Fanfare Book" by The Horn Book Magazine, a well-known magazine about children's literature.
- In 1972, the book won the prestigious Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.
- Also in 1972, it was recognized as a Newbery Honor book. The Newbery Medal is one of the highest honors for children's literature in the United States.
- It was also nominated for the 1972–1973 Mark Twain Awards.
From Book to Movie
The powerful story of The Planet of Junior Brown was later made into a film. In 1997, a movie with the same name was released. This allowed even more people to experience Junior and Buddy's journey on screen.
