Rick Riordan Presents: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe-A Sal and Gabi Novel, Book 1 (Sal and Gabi Novel, #1)

by Carlos Hernandez

[layawaydragon]

This was cute. Very weird and sweet. Things are just different and there's no explaining it, it just is and I love it for that. I don't know what or how to compare it to accurately.

There's an amazing step-mom, a host of amazing dads, Gabi who is a force of nature, and fun detention.

It's not all fun and games though as Sal is still grieving the loss of his mom, PTSD from a car crash, moving, Gabi's got a sick brother in the hospital, and her best friend has an unstable home.

I don't like magic or pranks, so Sal was kinda annoying at first. But his backstory and enthusiastic talk and use of magic won me over.

It does open with a bullying moment against Sal, which is not fun. But it's not extreme, and works out in the end. What really saves it from being the tiring typical bully redemption is that its only one instance and the principals reaction. This is not a get off scot-free or blame both sides kind of place, thank gods!

My best work friend is diabetic and Mexican, and I can't wait to find out what she thinks when she's done.

I will definitely reading the sequel!