Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Gabi, a 13-year-old student at Culeco Academy, holds prestigious positions as the student council president and editor of the school paper. With her own key to the school, Gabi is a force to be reckoned with. Her family, comprised of a mother, a one-month-old brother, and many honorary dads, forms a warm and supportive unit that fosters Gabi’s self-confidence and belief in her abilities.

On first meeting her, Sal is struck by Gabi’s distinctive mouth, which dominates most of her lower face. Gabi stands tall but small, “the color of the Pinewood Derby race car […] after [Sal] brushed on two layers of stain” (21). Gabi’s fluffy black hair adds to her unique appearance, especially as she often adorns it with novelty barrettes ranging from Shaolin monks to periodic tables.

Despite her occasionally high-handed and dictatorial demeanor (even earning her the moniker “la jefa” from her family), Gabi exhibits compassion and often demonstrates or provides opportunities to build The Foundations of Friendship. She aids Yasmany with his homework, acts as his legal representative before the principal, and lends a sympathetic ear to Sal when he shares the details of his extraordinary power and the grief stemming from his mother’s death.

Gabi and Sal emerge as foils, highlighting their contrasting characteristics. Sal, marked by adaptability and flexibility, contrasts with Gabi’s propensity for rigid control over every aspect of her life. Gabi hates losing control or appearing foolish and exemplifies these qualities by using her lie detector on Sal. Nevertheless, her well-thought-out actions consistently keep her out of trouble. In contrast, Sal’s impulsive nature frequently lands him in challenging situations. A pivotal moment in Gabi’s character development occurs when she entrusts Sal with saving her brother; this decision reflects a significant departure from her usual need for control, signifying remarkable growth in her character.

Yasmany, a 13-year-old student at Culeco, aspires to be a dancer but grapples with impulse control, often resorting to bullying. Yasmany’s poor behavior, which he often regrets, potentially stems from a problematic home life; the narrative implies that Yasmany’s mother is abusive. Despite Yasmany’s initial bullying of Sal, a gradual friendship forms between them, and Yasmany is best friends with Gabi, who endeavors to steer him away from trouble and assists him with homework. Yasmany is described “as Cuban as they come: brown, built like a track-and-field champ, with a haircut so short you could see the bumpy skin of his scalp beneath what was left of his tiny curls” (11).

Yasmany serves as a foil to both Gabi and Sal. In contrast to Sal and Gabi’s supportive families, Yasmany’s home situation is fraught, leading him to run away. While Sal and Gabi engage in rapid, witty banter, Yasmany struggles with speech and expressing his needs and emotions. Academic challenges also set Yasmany apart, with Sal and Gabi excelling in schoolwork, whereas Yasmany finds it challenging. However, Yasmany shines in physically demanding tasks, exemplified by his achievement as the first student at Culeco to conquer the most difficult rock wall.

Moreover, Yasmany embodies the prevalent machismo in Cuban American culture; he grapples with honest communication, especially when it comes to being vulnerable, due to an excessive focus on his image. Over the course of the narrative, Yasmany transforms, showcasing a character more at ease with his emotions. This transformation highlights the narrative’s exploration of emotional intelligence as a strength, not a weakness.

Gustavo Vidón, affectionately known as Papi, and Lucy Vidón, Sal’s American Stepmom, are Sal’s living padres. Lucy, with her wild gray hair and piercing blue eyes, is as an elementary school vice principal. Gustavo, a former mathematician, has transitioned into the role of a calamity physicist and is described as “black-bear big” (91). Sal’s birth mother, Floramaria Vidón, who passed away when he was 8 years old due to diabetic ketoacidosis, has a poignant presence throughout the narrative. Floramaria, a joyful and curvy woman with black hair and chocolate-brown eyes, becomes a recurring figure as Sal attempts to summon alternate versions of her, each capturing different facets of her personality.

Amid Sal’s grief over the loss of Floramaria, Gustavo and Lucy emerge as nurturing and supportive parents, helping Sal through his grief much like they help him cope with The Implications of the Multiverse. Their relocation from Connecticut to Miami signifies a commitment to understanding and mitigating the potential consequences of Sal’s extraordinary abilities. Both Gustavo and Lucy contribute not only moral support but also valuable guidance to help Sal navigate the challenges he faces.

Lucy, in particular, embodies the integration of different families and cultures. Despite not being Cuban, she embraces Cuban traditions without passing judgment. Notably, Lucy does not attempt to replace Sal’s late mother. Instead, she assumes the role of a supportive and understanding figure—Sal’s “American Stepmom.” Sal’s desire to bring Mami Muerta into the family is not a quest for replacement but an aspiration for all three parents to coexist harmoniously. Despite their hardships, the Vidón family maintains a warm and nurturing relationship, showcasing their resilience and unity.

Gabi’s immediate family comprises her mother, Reina Reál, and her one-month-old brother, Ignacio, affectionately called Iggy. Additionally, her family of choice is a diverse group of honorary dads with varying professions and genders. Reina, who authors a bilingual advice column, is a source of inspiration for Gabi’s journalistic aspirations.

Despite grappling with the challenges of her son’s poor health, Reina emerges as a resilient and nurturing presence throughout the narrative. Even amid tears, she ensures everyone is well fed and cared for, exemplifying strength in adversity. Reina consistently carves out time for Gabi, demonstrating unwavering dedication to her daughter despite the demands of caring for a critically ill child. In contrast, Iggy plays a pivotal role as a plot device, motivating Sal and Gabi’s exploration of the multiverse to save him. Despite his severe illness preventing family members from physically holding him, Iggy symbolizes the unconditional familial love that binds the family together.

Gabi’s seven dads symbolize the strength of one’s chosen family. Spanning diverse genders and professions, each dad offers unique support to Gabi, leveraging their strengths and weaknesses to help her navigate various challenges. The collaboration between Gabi’s blood family and her family of choice creates a nurturing environment within the story. 

The staff at Culeco Academy of the Arts collectively shapes a “sanctuary […] a place that encourages all the students to make magic happen” (272). From the resolute yet compassionate Principal Torres to the meticulous custodian, Mr. Milagros, the collaborative efforts of every staff member contribute to fostering an environment where students can truly shine.

At the forefront of this nurturing environment is Principal Torres, a formidable woman with an immense heart. Despite her strict demeanor, she demonstrates fairness and genuine concern for all students. Her unwavering support for Yasmany, even in the face of behavioral challenges, is exemplified when she goes above and beyond by picking him up from the hospital on the weekend and sharing a meal at his aunt’s house to ease his transition to a new home. Principal Torres also takes responsibility for her shortcomings, apologizing to Sal and initiating corrective measures to address the staff’s insensitivity to his diabetes. She models exemplary behavior for her students.

The teaching staff follows suit. Dr. Doctorpants, a renowned cosplay designer, channels students’ creativity through textile arts. Mr. Lynott, the health teacher, strives to ensure the growth of his students while openly acknowledging and rectifying his mistakes. Daniel Miranda Rivero, the chief learning coordinator, transforms detention into a supportive study hall, providing students with the assistance needed to complete academic and disciplinary tasks. Mrs. Waked, the theater teacher, inspires students by affirming their genius and positioning herself as a guide to help them achieve their best work.

Even the chief custodian, Mr. Milagros, plays a vital role in supporting students. Offering gentle guidance, he lectures Sal when he discovers him peeking at someone else’s letter and assists Gabi with her various side assignments, all while maintaining the school’s impeccable cleanliness.

Collectively, the staff collaborates to create an ideal learning environment, nurturing the growth and development of the students at Culeco. 

The students of Culeco exhibit a genuine enthusiasm for school, evident in the lively pre-class gatherings within the courtyard. Showcasing their talents and costumes, the students contribute to a vibrant atmosphere, displaying a collective eagerness to learn. While this shared enthusiasm prevails, a few students stand out in various ways.

Gladis Machado becomes a focal point, embodying themes of prejudice and The Implications of the Multiverse. Initially friendly with Sal, their relationship takes a sharp turn after the “chicken incident.” Gladis, perceiving Sal as a brujo, adopts a hostile stance, refusing to engage in conversation or even share proximity with him. At one juncture, she goes so far as to request the teacher’s intervention to make Sal stop looking at her.

This stark contrast is heightened with the arrival of the alternate-universe Gladis, who establishes positive connections with everyone, including Sal. In her perspective, the only distinct difference in Sal’s dimension is herself. Although Gladis’s return from the alternate dimension diminishes her overt hostility, a lingering tension remains in her interactions with Sal. The story concludes with uncertainty regarding whether Gladis will ever overcome her prejudiced views.

In contrast to Gladis, Aventura emerges as an unwavering source of support for Sal. Aventura’s actions hint at her having potentially romantic feelings for Sal; nevertheless, Aventura supports Gabi by diligently taking notes, albeit infusing a playful prank by encoding them. Aventura goes the extra mile by lending Sal a sewing machine to aid in his play. Despite the brevity of their friendship, Aventura exemplifies genuine and unconditional support. The dynamic between Aventura and Gladis is a poignant illustration of two extremes—one characterized by prejudice and the other by unwavering acceptance.