65 pages 2 hours read

Carlos Hernandez

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Chapters 9-18

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 9 Summary

Sal reluctantly agrees to Gabi’s lie detector demonstration, resolving to rely on his showmanship skills once again. He engages in banter before the sensor is placed on his head, exaggerates his reactions, and gives whimsical responses. When Gabi finally demands an answer about the chicken incident, Sal answers honesty, explaining the multiverse and his unique abilities. Gabi’s frustration grows as the machine affirms the story’s absurd details.

The apparent performance prompts cheers from the audience. When Mrs. Waked assumes that Gabi and Sal planned the entire spectacle together, Gabi covers Sal’s mouth and accepts the praise. Sal attributes his knowledge of parallel universes to his father being a calamity physicist.

Chapter 10 Summary

After telling Gabi they’ll talk later, Sal hurries to his locker for a quick snack, attracting curious glances but no overt avoidance. Upstairs, he observes Yasmany struggling with his locker once again. Deciding not to flee, Sal calmly walks to his own locker. Sensing Yasmany watching, Sal covertly demonstrates how to squeeze the lock correctly. Yasmany successfully unlocks his locker, celebrates, and rushes to class, leaving his locker open.

Sal peeks inside to check for a rip in dimensions due to his chicken stunt. Sure enough, Sal finds one.