Common Sense Media Review
By Myiesha Speight
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hilarious, heartfelt, universe-breaking sci-fi novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In SAL AND GABI BREAK THE UNIVERSE, 13-year-old Sal has been to the principal's office three times and it's only the first week of school. His most recent visit is because of an incident with bully Yasmany, who knocks Sal's diabetes kit from his hand after Sal tried to help Yasmany with his locker. For payback, Sal somehow put a raw chicken in Yasmany's locked locker with a crowd of students watching. Then, all evidence of the chicken inexplicably disappears, causing intrepid reporter/Yasmany's lawyer/student council president Gabi to search for the truth. The truth, it turns out, is even stranger than she could have imagined. Sal can make rips in the universe that allow him to transport things from parallel universes, including a raw chicken and Sal's Mami Muerta. Unfortunately, Sal's rips release calamitrons, which can lead to the universe's destruction. Sal and Gabi have a lot on their plate from trying to learn more about Sal's powers to a prolonged hospital stay for Gabi's newborn brother in the hospital and Yasmany's difficult family situation. Will they be able to handle it all and not permanently break the universe in the process?
Is It Any Good?
This hilarious, universe-breaking novel has plenty of laughs and a lot of heartfelt moments. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe engages readers from start to finish, making it hard to put down. Sal's funny and witty, somehow always a step ahead of those around him. Sure, it helps that he can make rips in the universe, but he's incredibly intelligent and thoughtful. He's in no way perfect, makes bad decisions, and takes jokes a little too far, but is quick to apologize.
Gabi's no less interesting with her ever-changing hair clips, multiple Gabi-dads, and inspirational quote T-shirts. Gabi's a fiercely loyal friend to Yasmany and tries to be there for him, especially regarding the situation with his problematic mother. Gabi has other worries with her infant brother Iggy in the hospital's intensive care unit, but even those sad moments are lightened with a bit of humor. While many of the details surrounding Sal's universe-ripping powers remain a mystery, many readers won't mind and will love this science- and magic-filled story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about processing grief in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. Sal and Gabi process their grief in different ways. Gabi gets angry while Sal grabs parallel versions of his mom who passed away. What does how they process grief reveal about their character? What are some other ways people process grief and work through how they're feeling?
Sal is quick to apologize when he's done something wrong even when it's not easy. Why is it sometimes difficult to apologize? What can we learn from Sal about apologizing?
Sal finds out that Yasmany has a difficult family situation, which is why he sometimes acts out. What are some things you can do to help a friend who's going through a tough time?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : STEM , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School ) , Robots
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Rick Riordan Presents
- Publication date : March 5, 2019
- Number of pages : 382
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Pura Belpré Awards and Honors
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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