Reviews

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

janerose123's review

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.

blakeney_clark's review

funny lighthearted

4.5

kjurewicz's review

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! 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Chronic illness, Child abuse, and Death of parent

that_grassfield's review

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

missmirianthelibrarian's review

5.0

Loved. Def a fave.

megancrews's review

5.0

I absolutely loved this one!

shadowofadoubt89's review

5.0

Although this wasn't anything like most of the other Rick Riordan Presents books I've read so far, I really, really liked it. I loved the characters and the world and the way the author wrote everything. I really appreciate that the story wasn't about demigods or big myths and legends from different cultures, but I still felt like I learned a lot about cultures I'm not familiar with. The art school setting was a really cool one as well and I really like how he managed all the different characters.

dkragick's review

5.0

If you're a fan of middle-grade humor, touching story lines, and non-stereotypical characters, PICK UP THIS BOOK! The review that starts "If Harry Houdini, Mr. Rogers, and Dr. Stephen Hawking wrote a book together . . ." is not far off. I started it Christmas evening and was done by late the next day.

I truly enjoy all the Rick Riordan Presents titles, but this one has now moved to first place of the many worlds I've enjoyed. I may not always follow the Spanish, but I for sure get the gist - and (at least I think) the jokes. And the love. And the tears. Set in Miami, our narrator is of Cuban descent and many of the characters are Latinx. While there is a smattering of that mythology, the bulk of the "magic" in the story might be considered sci-fi, but really, it's family (blood and chosen) driven. I can't love this enough.

aclopez6's review against another edition

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.

hm0ng's review

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0