Sal and Gabi Break the Universe Book Summary - Sal and Gabi Break the Universe Book explained in key points

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe summary

Brief summary

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez is a captivating science fiction novel about two middle schoolers who accidentally uncover the secrets of parallel universes, leading to hilarious and mind-bending adventures.

Give Feedback
Table of Contents

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring the Multiverse with Sal and Gabi

    In Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez, we are introduced to Sal Vidon, a middle schooler with a unique talent - he can reach into alternate universes and pull things into his own. This ability, however, comes with a cost - every time he does this, it weakens the fabric of the universe. Sal is also dealing with the recent loss of his mother, who passed away from cancer.

    Sal's life takes an unexpected turn when he starts at a new school and meets Gabi Real, a no-nonsense, fiercely intelligent girl who is the editor of the school newspaper. Gabi is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious occurrences at school, including Sal's unusual abilities. Despite initial misunderstandings, the two form an unlikely friendship.

    Friendship, Family, and the Power of Imagination

    As Sal and Gabi's friendship deepens, they embark on a series of adventures, using Sal's unique abilities to solve problems and help others. They also face challenges, including dealing with school bullies and navigating complex family dynamics. Sal's father, a renowned physicist, is struggling with his own grief over his wife's death, and Sal is determined to use his powers to bring his mother back from an alternate universe.

    Throughout the story, we see the power of imagination and creativity. Sal is a talented magician, and his performances are woven into the narrative, adding an element of magic and wonder. Gabi, on the other hand, is a rational thinker, but she is open-minded enough to accept Sal's extraordinary abilities, and together they make a formidable team.

    Consequences and Responsibility

    As Sal and Gabi continue to experiment with Sal's powers, they begin to realize the potential consequences of their actions. The weakening of the universe's fabric is causing dangerous rifts, and they must find a way to fix it. They also learn that some things, like the loss of a loved one, cannot be fixed, no matter how powerful their abilities.

    Sal and Gabi's journey is not just about the fantastical elements of the multiverse, but also about growing up and taking responsibility for their actions. They learn that while it's tempting to use Sal's powers to solve their problems, it's not always the right thing to do. They must make difficult choices and face the consequences of their actions.

    Embracing Differences and Overcoming Challenges

    One of the most powerful themes in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is the celebration of diversity and the importance of empathy. Sal is Cuban-American and has Type 1 diabetes, while Gabi is Colombian-American. Both characters face challenges related to their cultural backgrounds and personal circumstances, but they find strength in their differences and support each other through their struggles.

    In conclusion, Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is a delightful and thought-provoking middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends science fiction, magic, and real-world issues. Sal and Gabi's adventures through the multiverse are not just entertaining, but also offer valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the power of imagination.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is Sal and Gabi Break the Universe about?

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez is a captivating middle-grade novel that combines science fiction, Cuban culture, and humor. The story follows Sal Vidon, a talented magician, and his new friend Gabi Real as they accidentally uncover a way to manipulate the multiverse. As they navigate family challenges and school drama, they must also deal with the consequences of their universe-breaking actions. It's a fun and thought-provoking adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe Review

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (2019) follows the misadventures of Sal, a young magician, and Gabi, an inquisitive girl, as they accidentally disrupt the laws of the universe. Here's why this book is a must-read:

    • Featuring diverse characters and exploring complex family dynamics, the story is rich in authenticity and representation.
    • The novel seamlessly blends science fiction elements with heartfelt moments, creating a captivating and unique narrative that appeals to readers of all ages.
    • With its witty humor and unexpected plot twists, the book guarantees a lively and entertaining reading experience that never fails to surprise.

    Who should read Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

    • Readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy with a touch of humor
    • Young adult and middle-grade readers looking for diverse characters and unique storytelling
    • People interested in exploring Cuban culture and folklore through a fantastical lens

    About the Author

    Carlos Hernandez is a talented author known for his captivating storytelling and imaginative world-building. With a background in both science and the arts, Hernandez brings a unique perspective to his writing. He has published several works, including short stories and novels, and has received critical acclaim for his contributions to the speculative fiction genre. Through his engaging narratives, Hernandez explores themes of identity, culture, and the power of imagination. His notable works include "The Assimilated Cuban's Guide to Quantum Santeria" and "Sal and Gabi Break the Universe."

    Categories with Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    4.7 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    32 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Start your free trial

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe FAQs 

    What is the main message of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

    The main message centers around friendship, family, and the power of creativity in the face of challenges.

    How long does it take to read Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

    Reading length varies, but on average, it takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be consumed in just a few minutes.

    Is Sal and Gabi Break the Universe a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is worth reading for its fresh take on magical realism, diverse characters, and heartwarming storyline.

    Who is the author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

    Carlos Hernandez is the author of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.

    What to read after Sal and Gabi Break the Universe?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
    • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
    • Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
    • Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
    • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
    • Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
    • Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
    • Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
    • The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
    • Side Jobs by Jim Butcher