Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

Chapters 9-18

Chapters 19-26

Chapters 27-34

Chapter 35-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Background

Authorial Context: Carlos Hernandez

Carlos Hernandez, a distinguished American professor and writer, intricately weaves his first-generation Cuban American identity and experiences into his storytelling. With a deep commitment to diversity and representation in literature, Hernandez explores issues of identity, family, and the fusion of diverse cultural elements, offering readers narratives that resonate with the rich tapestry of the multicultural world.

In Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, Hernandez leverages his Cuban American background to infuse authenticity into the narrative. He incorporates specific language nuances, aiming to capture the vibrancy and charm of how Cubans speak, which he describes as “loud, fast, loving, and fierce” (371). Hernandez seamlessly introduces Spanish terms like “cacaseca,” “madrugada,” and “asombrado.” Hernandez also has several characters who speak in a Cuban accent whose voices highlight its musicality.

Moreover, Hernandez addresses challenges tied to his multicultural heritage, such as instances of stereotyping. Yasmany, for example, derogatorily labels Sal a “white boy,” an insult that directly contrasts with the discrimination Sal faced in a Connecticut school, where he was deemed “too brown.” Additionally, by portraying Sal as a person with type 1 diabetes, Hernandez sheds light on the rising rates of diabetes in the American Latinx population, using his work as a platform for advocacy. He also provides diverse examples of masculinity, offering a counterpoint to the machismo frequently lauded in Cuban American culture (Jones, Michael. “Q&A with Carlos Hernandez.” Publishers Weekly, 5 April 2019).

As an English Literature professor at New York University, Hernandez’s academic background significantly shapes the world within Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. His expertise allows him to craft the fictional Culeco Academy for the Arts, embodying his vision of an ideal educational institution. Literary references abound, with Hernandez integrating his passion for literature into the narrative. From Gabi’s thought-provoking t-shirt quotes to the symbolic Venetian bauta mask, literature becomes a unifying force in the characters’ lives.

Beyond academia, Hernandez’s identity as a gamer turned video game designer permeates his work. His keen interest in game-based learning is evident in Culeco Academy’s educational approach. References to video games, particularly Street Fighter, are woven into the narrative, adding layers of depth and relatability.

A versatile author, Hernandez has explored various genres, from novels and short stories to poetry, specializing in speculative fiction. Sal and Gabi, conceived initially as adult characters, became the focal point of his first children’s novel. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe is Hernandez’s first work aimed at younger readers.

Cultural Context: Cuban American Culture

The United States has a long and complicated history with Cuba. Since 1970, Cubans have consistently ranked among the top 10 immigrant groups in the United States by national origin (Zong, Jie, and Batalova, Jeanne. “Cuban Immigrants in the United States.” Migration Policy Institute, 9 Aug. 2019). Most of these immigrants, over 60%, reside in Florida (Zong and Batalova). In 2014, 54% of Miami’s total population consisted of Cubans and Cuban Americans (Sesin, Carmen. “Not Just Cubans: Many Latinos Now Call Miami Home.” NBC News, 7 Dec. 2013). As such, the best place to explore Cuban American culture is Miami, home of the fictional Culeco Academy of the Arts.

Cuba had a unique immigration status in America for many years. In the 1960s, after the Cuban revolution, Cuban immigrants could apply for citizenship after only one year of residency in the United States (Thale, Geoff. “Cuban Migration Is Changing, and the U.S. Must Take Note.“ WOLA, 27 Nov. 2019). This status led to a boom in Cuban immigration to the country, though early on, most of these immigrants only intended to stay temporarily (“Transforming a City: Puerto Ricans and Cubans in Postwar Chicago.“ Library of Congress). However, as the new Cuban government became more established, the Cuban immigrants began building a new life in America. These new Cuban Americans established close-knit, cohesive communities, particularly in Miami.

Miami is a hub of Cuban American culture. Miami has a “Little Havana” section with Cuban restaurants and specialties (“Cuban History in Florida.” Visit Florida). Most of Miami is bilingual and supports countless Spanish media streams. Tourists visit from around the world to celebrate the Calle Ocho Music Festival, one of the largest Latin music festivals in the world (Visit Florida).

Cuban culture includes an intricate mix of Spanish, Caribbean, and African influences. Most Cuban Americans consider themselves Catholic, but many practice Santería (Donovan, Lianne. “Exploring Cuban Culture.” Stanford University). Santería is a combination of religious beliefs and practices from the enslaved Yoruba people that were brought to Cuba and the Catholic beliefs of colonizers (“Santería in Cuba.” U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom). In Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, elements of Santería appear such as the ojo turco, which aims to protect the wearer from evil. Likewise, the Culeco students’ concern over brujería most likely stems from the influence of Santerían beliefs.

The novel makes several references to the music of Cuban American culture. The Salsa, Rumba, and Cha Cha Cha all originated in Cuba (Visit Florida). A love of music and dance emerges in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe when Sal distracts his family by turning on a classic Cuban song, “Yiri Yiri Bon.” Sal’s Mami Muerta immediately begins to dance and goes so far as to teach Sal’s American stepmom.

The novel also highlights the food of Cuban American culture. Rice, beans, and plantains regularly accompany every kind of meal (“Traditional Cuban Cuisine.” El Meson de Pepe). Yuca is another typical side dish, frequently cooked with sour orange or lemon juice. While the most famous Cuban meal is ropa vieja (beef stewed with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic), pork and seafood are the most common proteins in Cuban meals. Cuban coffee is another staple. Cuban food is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines and is generally simple but bold in flavor. Most holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings center around food, as illustrated in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. When Sal brings Mami Muerta home, the first thing she does is cook a feast for the family. The waiting room that Gabi’s family frequents always seems to have a Cuban buffet to the side. Food is one of the ways the Cuban families in the novel demonstrate their love.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe skillfully incorporates Cuban American culture, offering a nuanced and authentic representation that mirrors the diverse facets of this vibrant community.