Families who loved Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
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.
