Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

By Carlos Hernandez,

Book cover of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Book description

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence by Carlos Hernandez, winner of the 2020 Pura Belpré Award.

"I love this book in every possible universe! With a surprise on every page and two of the most cosmically awesome, vividly unique heroes I've ever read, this…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked Sal and Gabi Break the Universe as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sal Vidon just misses his mom.

It’s a timeless story of a kid healing, but with a twist where Sal can pull things out of alternate dimensions.

He navigates the weirdness of his abilities with a grace and humor that is as refreshing as it is endearing. It’s hard not to root for this troublemaker with a heart of gold.

Not to mention, the book has a seriously great main character counterpart to Sal in Gabi Real. 

This one made me laugh again and again and then pretty much break up into tears on the next page. Sal is a smart kid and an excellent magician, but he’s starting at a new school while dealing with the loss of his mother and the discovery he can open portals to other universes where his mom still exists. Gabi is the most brilliant and driven girl in the school, but her family is coping with some heavy things too. The two don’t get along at first, but once both of them stop being defensive, their vulnerability gives them what…

This delightfully strange sci-fi romp opens with Cuban-American budding magician Sal Vidon fending off a bully by summoning a raw chicken from another universe, and things only get wackier from there. Among the multi-dimensional hijinks and unusual characters (including a sentient and sarcastic entropy sweeper), Sal stands out as a memorable middle-grade protagonist who’s comfortable and secure in all his weird glory.

Want books like Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 91 books like Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.

Browse books like Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Book cover of The Boys in the Back Row
Book cover of Alan Cole Is Not a Coward
Book cover of As Brave as You

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,500

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Universe, spacetime, and mourning?

The Universe 71 books
Spacetime 65 books
Mourning 153 books