About This Book
Reach for this book if your child is navigating the heavy weight of grief but prefers humor and high-octane adventure over quiet dramas. It is an ideal choice for the middle-grade reader who feels like an outsider or is struggling to process the permanent loss of a loved one while adjusting to a new social environment. The story follows Sal Vidon, a boy who can literally 'relax' holes into the universe to pull items from other dimensions: a talent he uses both for magic tricks and to cope with the death of his mother. While the sci-fi elements provide a thrilling pace, the heart of the novel lies in its exploration of family loyalty, the complexities of step-parents, and the importance of finding friends who truly see you. It balances laugh-out-loud moments with profound emotional honesty about chronic illness and mourning. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated way it handles conflict and the vibrant, joyful depiction of Cuban-American culture.
