The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
aclopez6's review
4.0
This book is part of the "Rick Riordan Presents" publishing, but it does not deal with gods/mythology/magic exactly. Instead, this book considers the idea of the multiverse--multiple universes existing simultaneously.
I would recommend this book for middle-grade/young adults who are interested in fantasy and science fiction, but with a solid grounding in real life/realistic fiction.
This is also a solid book for patrons looking for books about friendship and found families, even amongst middle schoolers.
I would recommend this book for middle-grade/young adults who are interested in fantasy and science fiction, but with a solid grounding in real life/realistic fiction.
This is also a solid book for patrons looking for books about friendship and found families, even amongst middle schoolers.
readerpants's review against another edition
5.0
ELEVEN HUNDRED STARS. I truly, truly loved this book. I want to read it again right now. There was honestly not a single thing I did not adore. It was funny and smart and had SO MUCH HEART.
I super enjoyed THE ASSIMILATED CUBAN'S GUIDE TO QUANTUM SANTERIA a few years ago -- and rec'd it on a Geek Girl Con RA panel! -- but I'd never have guessed that Carlos Hernandez could make the leap to middle grade so beautifully.
I just. I don't even know where to start with a review because I'm all just flailing limbs of delight. What was my favorite thing, even? Gabi's multiple dads, who are basically Flourite from Steven Universe? Gabi, the ultimate Hermione Granger fix-it? Almost every single adult? The school?? Sal's character growth and essential goodness despite sometimes being a thoughtless jerk? I can't possibly choose.
I can't wait for the second one.
I super enjoyed THE ASSIMILATED CUBAN'S GUIDE TO QUANTUM SANTERIA a few years ago -- and rec'd it on a Geek Girl Con RA panel! -- but I'd never have guessed that Carlos Hernandez could make the leap to middle grade so beautifully.
I just. I don't even know where to start with a review because I'm all just flailing limbs of delight. What was my favorite thing, even? Gabi's multiple dads, who are basically Flourite from Steven Universe? Gabi, the ultimate Hermione Granger fix-it? Almost every single adult? The school?? Sal's character growth and essential goodness despite sometimes being a thoughtless jerk? I can't possibly choose.
I can't wait for the second one.
hidingzeus's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent! I really love the way the author makes a point for his characters to learn things and to be kind to one another. I will definitely read the second.
raeanne's review against another edition
4.0
This was cute. Very weird and sweet. Things are just different and there's no explaining it, it just is and I love it for that. I don't know what or how to compare it to accurately.
There's an amazing step-mom, a host of amazing dads, Gabi who is a force of nature, and fun detention.
It's not all fun and games though as Sal is still grieving the loss of his mom, PTSD from a car crash, moving, Gabi's got a sick brother in the hospital, and her best friend has an unstable home.
I don't like magic or pranks, so Sal was kinda annoying at first. But his backstory and enthusiastic talk and use of magic won me over.
It does open with a bullying moment against Sal, which is not fun. But it's not extreme, and works out in the end. What really saves it from being the tiring typical bully redemption is that its only one instance and the principals reaction. This is not a get off scot-free or blame both sides kind of place, thank gods!
My best work friend is diabetic and Mexican, and I can't wait to find out what she thinks when she's done.
I will definitely reading the sequel!
There's an amazing step-mom, a host of amazing dads, Gabi who is a force of nature, and fun detention.
It's not all fun and games though as Sal is still grieving the loss of his mom, PTSD from a car crash, moving, Gabi's got a sick brother in the hospital, and her best friend has an unstable home.
I don't like magic or pranks, so Sal was kinda annoying at first. But his backstory and enthusiastic talk and use of magic won me over.
It does open with a bullying moment against Sal, which is not fun. But it's not extreme, and works out in the end. What really saves it from being the tiring typical bully redemption is that its only one instance and the principals reaction. This is not a get off scot-free or blame both sides kind of place, thank gods!
My best work friend is diabetic and Mexican, and I can't wait to find out what she thinks when she's done.
I will definitely reading the sequel!
filesm's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing read, super engaging and fun while also handling some tough issues, but in a way that wasn't too heavy. This book is marked as jfic, but I think definitely could work as YA as well. Plays with the idea of multiverses in what I would describe as a sci-fi/magical realism fusion. Overall highly highly recommend.
spocksgotfeelings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
janerose123's review against another edition
4.0
Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez is a story about magic, honesty, heartbreak, and being your very own superhero. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is a novel written by Carlos Hernandez. It is a science fiction novel that is also about Cuban mythology. It was published by Disney-Hyperion in March 2019.
It's fiction, fantasy, middle-grade, science-fiction, adventurous, emotional, funny, and slow-paced. It's mixed and there's strong character development.
It's fiction, fantasy, middle-grade, science-fiction, adventurous, emotional, funny, and slow-paced. It's mixed and there's strong character development.
kjurewicz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book! Silly and fast-paced while also addressing real-world issues. The vibe reminded me a lot of Amari and the Night Brothers. A great read for upper elementary/middle school!Â
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Child abuse, and Death of parent