What This Book Is About
Sal Vidao is a seventh-grader at Culeco Academy of the Arts in Miami who has a peculiar talent: he can reach into other universes and pull things through. A sandwich from a universe where his mami never got sick. A chicken from a dimension where poultry roams free in downtown Miami. It sounds cool, but every time Sal "relaxes" the boundaries between worlds, he risks tearing the fabric of reality apart. Then he meets Gabi Real, the editor of the school newspaper and the most no-nonsense, fact-checking, lie-detecting person he has ever encountered. Together, they discover that Sal's power is far more dangerous than he thought.
Published under Rick Riordan's imprint and winner of the Pura Belpré Award, this novel is warm, wildly inventive, and laugh-out-loud funny. It celebrates Cuban-American culture with vivid details about food, family, and Miami life, while tackling serious themes of grief, identity, and what it means to let go. Think of it as a multiverse adventure with the heart of a family drama. Fans of Percy Jackson will feel right at home, but the humor and cultural richness make this book entirely its own.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe is a natural fit for UWC's emphasis on intercultural understanding and celebrating diverse identities. The book immerses readers in Cuban-American culture through Sal's family, their traditions, and the Spanglish-infused dialogue of Miami. For students in Singapore's international schools who navigate multiple cultures daily, Sal's experience of living between worlds feels both literal and deeply relatable.
The novel also models creative problem-solving under pressure and the importance of collaboration. Sal and Gabi are very different people who learn to trust each other's strengths, a lesson that resonates in any classroom. The accessible, humorous writing style keeps reluctant readers engaged while the layered plot rewards careful attention, making it ideal for building both reading stamina and critical thinking.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The 400-page length and occasional Spanish phrases will overwhelm. Start with shorter chapter books first.
Right in the sweet spot. The conversational writing style and humor make 400 pages fly by at A2-B1.
A breezy, fun read at B2. Great for pure enjoyment. Try the sequel, Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe, next.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.