Sal & Gabi Break the Universe Comprehension Questions

Salvador Vidón

Gabi

wrath

relaxing

like leaning back into their favorite armchair

a sponge at the bottom of the ocean

The protagonist tries to diffuse the situation with a peaceful response.

The protagonist recalls advice from his father about managing fear.

The protagonist uses his skills as a showman and magician to divert the bully's attention and manipulate the situation.

The bully's locker starts leaking pink blood, causing a commotion and fear among the crowd.

The protagonist teases the bully about the contents of his locker and uses a magician's flair to open the locker, revealing the surprise inside.

The protagonist's confidence, resilience, resourcefulness, unique approach to handling difficult situations, and the power of creativity and quick wit in challenging circumstances are demonstrated through his actions.

math book

diabetes bag and glucose meter

brown, built like a track-and-field champ, short haircut

Because the narrator had trouble with their lock on the first day

He punched his locker

Grew a little quieter

Yasmany opened his locker and a raw chicken fell out, causing chaos among the students.

Salvador has diabetes and has been called to the principal's office multiple times due to his condition.

Principal Torres acknowledges the need to educate staff and students about diabetes.

Principal Torres chastises Yasmany for bullying and threatens to expel him.

Yasmany admits to having a bad day and Principal Torres decides to expel him.

Principal Torres's actions show her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Yasmany

Principal Torres

Gabi Reál

Sal Vidón

eight

legal dramas

mirror box

behind the mirror

disguising it in the scarf itself

because the yarn would be hidden in it

palm it and slip it in a pocket

doing a small task perfectly

Sal and Gabi have a tense conversation, but they end up laughing together, showing Sal's ability to navigate and adapt to new social interactions.

Sal attends a Textile Arts class, where he is one of the few boys, unlike his previous school in Connecticut where he would have been the only boy in a sewing class.

The Textile Arts teacher is Dr. Doctorpants, who is known for wearing costumes and runs a mask-and-masquerade shop on Etsy.

Sal is in the Knitting for Beginners pace group and is working on a red scarf.

Sal notices that students at Culeco High School arrive early, stay late, and enjoy school, which contrasts with his previous school experience.

Sal appreciates the positive environment at Culeco where students are passionate about learning, and he feels more accepted compared to his previous school in Connecticut.

Gabi suggests a 'teachable moment' to Principal Torres.

Sal rushes to grab a meal due to his diabetes and to switch out some magic props for his theater class.

Sal injures his knee while trying to escape from Gabi.

Sal exaggerates the severity of his injury to get sympathy from Gabi.

The text showcases the dynamics of the characters and their complex relationship that involves conflict and concern for each other in a school setting.

Principal Torres assigns Yasmany a five-page report on type-one diabetes as a chance to redeem himself.

Never let them know how the trick is done.

She contacts him through a walkie-talkie and asks about the chicken cleanup.

It indicates that the cleanup is not going well, despite the word usually meaning 'good'.

He maintains his composure and does not reveal anything, as he lives by the magician's code.

She contacts Mr. Milagros directly to inquire about the cleanup.

The protagonist suspects that Mr. Milagros is not willing to reveal more details to avoid getting Yasmany into more trouble.

Mr. Milagros

He claims the chicken disappeared

He suggested a demon might have taken the chicken

Principal Torres concludes that the chicken may have never existed

Yasmany

Sal

Mr. Milagros

a demon

Gabi

Yasmany

Sal

It may have never existed

Principal Torres considered using a lie detector to determine the truthfulness of the students' statements.

The protagonist believes in living by the magician's code: Never let them know how the trick is done.

Mr. Milagros responds with '¿Bueno' which, in the context, indicates resignation or a sense of 'welp' rather than a positive affirmation.

Principal Torres resorts to using a walkie-talkie to communicate with Mr. Milagros because he is likely not within immediate proximity or is in a different area of the school.

The protagonist believes that Principal Torres's 'Ghost Rider stare' could make any kid spill, except for the protagonist, as he considers himself a showman who lives by the magician's code of not revealing how tricks are done.

The protagonist implies that the deception or manipulation being attempted is coming to an end, and the situation is reaching a critical point.

The protagonist implies that they have romantic feelings for the recipient of the letter, but they clarify that they are not in love with them.

The protagonist defends Yasmany to the best of their ability, but they also express doubt about whether Principal Torres should have given Yasmany another chance, considering Yasmany's actions as a bully.

The protagonist believes that Sal Vidón's intervention and influence played a significant role in convincing Principal Torres to give Yasmany another chance.

The protagonist considers Yasmany's actions as a bully to be unforgivable, but they acknowledge Sal's forgiveness towards Yasmany.

The protagonist emphasizes the significance of the special present given by Sal Vidón to the recipient of the letter and expresses gratitude for Sal's actions.

The protagonist expresses that the hardest part of the assignment will be keeping it under five pages.

Gabi's behavior and actions during the lie detector test scene showcase her playful and dramatic personality, as well as her dedication to supporting and entertaining Sal during a tense situation.

Sal demonstrates his skepticism and cleverness during the lie detector test by questioning the nature of true/false questions and attempting to outsmart the lie detector with tricky wording.

The lie detector test scene reveals the close friendship and supportive dynamic between Sal and Gabi, as she entertains and encourages him during a challenging moment.

The purpose of the lie detector test scene is to add tension and humor to the narrative, as well as to highlight Sal's resourcefulness and quick thinking under pressure.

The lie detector test scene contributes to the development of Sal's character by showcasing his resilience and ability to think on his feet, as well as his willingness to confront challenges with humor and skepticism.

The lie detector test scene highlights the theme of performance and deception by illustrating Sal's use of theatricality and cleverness to navigate a potentially incriminating situation, as well as the tension between truth and manipulation.

The protagonist discovers a rip in the universe inside Yasmany's locker, which acts as a portal into another reality, specifically a chicken-processing plant from Dimension X.

The protagonist realizes that until the hole closes, there's a risk of unintended items crossing over from the other universe into theirs. The protagonist decides not to drag anything through the rip until it closes and resolves to send back anything that has already come through.

Upon inspecting the contents of the locker, the protagonist finds a note addressed to Yasmany, instructing him to take certain books home and do his homework.

The note also mentions quizzing Yasmany on his homework and helping him with an essay on diabetes. It reveals that Yasmany may need assistance with his schoolwork and that he may be struggling with certain subjects.

The protagonist is concerned about the hole's size and duration, and decides not to drag anything through the rip until it closes and resolves to send back anything that has already come through. This shows the protagonist's responsible and cautious nature.

Yasmany celebrates by dancing after his lock opens, showcasing his exuberant and expressive personality.

Salvador deliberately gives sarcastic and false answers to the questions, claims to have brought a chicken from another universe, and delivers a dramatic monologue about ripping a hole in the space-time continuum. The audience is initially confused, then amused, and finally erupts into laughter.

Mrs. Waked is amused by Salvador's performance and questions him about his breakfast, to which he responds with another false answer. The class erupts into laughter and applause, and the bell rings to end the class.

Mrs. Waked assumes Salvador and Gabi planned the performance together, but in reality, Gabi covers for Salvador and takes credit for the performance.

The machine is used to determine the truthfulness of Salvador's answers, but it fails to detect his sarcasm and marks his false answers as true.

The audience is initially confused, then amused, and finally erupts into laughter at Salvador's performance.

Salvador's behavior initially confuses the audience, then amuses them, and eventually leads to laughter and applause, creating a lively and entertaining classroom environment.

Sal plans to assert his confidence by eating in front of Yasmany and subtly teaches him a lesson using a fake lock combination trick. This reflects Sal's determination to stand up to bullying and his strategic thinking.

The text captures the tense atmosphere of a middle school environment by highlighting the complexities of middle school dynamics, including teacher-student interactions and peer confrontations. Social dynamics and confrontations play a significant role in students' lives as portrayed in the narrative.

The text reveals Sal's internal struggle to overcome his fear of Yasmany and his fear of being seen as weak or scared in the face of bullying. Sal's internal dialogue and his determination to assert his confidence are highlighted in the narrative.

Sal manipulates the situation to make Yasmany think he is helping him open his locker by inputting his own combination and tricking Yasmany into using it. This plan succeeds, leaving Yasmany unaware of Sal's manipulation.

Mrs. Waked, their teacher, announces the upcoming unit on acting with masks. This relates to Sal and Gabi's act as they had lied to the teacher about collaborating, using a lie detector helmet to maintain the lie.

Sal navigates through the school's crowd, heading to the prop room and then to his locker. He avoids discussing the lie with Gabi as they navigate through the school.

Mr. Milagros

a demon

Gabi

it may have never existed

Sal

a magic trick involving a stamped palm

Poocha Lucha Libre 3

It launched itself out of the protagonist's hands and flew sideways, breaking through the backseat window of the car.

The protagonist was rapt and in shock.

Their body felt like it tried to fly apart, with each limb going in a different direction.

The car seat's belts turned into iron bars, crushing the protagonist's chest and waist, and forcing all the air out of their body.

The protagonist described it as feeling peaceful, like what life would be like as a boulder, never having to breathe.

Mami Viva had told the protagonist a million times how much trouble they would be in if they broke the phone, and the accident potentially meant facing the consequences of breaking it.

Papi and American Stepmom have similar cars but different lifestyles, with Papi relying on his car's computer for driving and spending commutes reading or playing games on his phone.

The protagonist has relaxed Mami Muerta back from the dead six times, including the current instance, and desires a harmonious family life.

The protagonist's wish for a unified family is deemed impossible due to the complicated dynamics involving Mami Muerta, Papi, and American Stepmom.

The protagonist's plan to manage the situation involves diverting attention by pretending to be hungry and embracing Mami Muerta, who has returned as a different version of her former self.

The rejuvenated Mami Muerta speaks English, demonstrates a caring attitude, and shares a joyful time with the protagonist while cooking Cuban dishes. The protagonist, caught up in the joy of the moment, disregards concerns about his diabetes and eagerly anticipates enjoying his mami's cooking.

The protagonist's interactions with Mami Muerta reveal her familiar traits, such as her laughter, affection, and guidance, creating a sense of joy and warmth in the household.

The protagonist's determination to savor the time with his rejuvenated mami reflects his longing for a united and loving family, despite the complexities of their relationships.

The protective charm saved the narrator in a car accident and holds emotional significance. The car accident experience shapes the narrator's longing for comfort and stability in the Coral Castle.

The mother's death adds to the sense of loss and disorientation, deepening the narrator's longing for comfort and stability.

American Stepmom's gestures and expressions provide insight into the family dynamics and living environment, contributing to the narrator's struggle to find a sense of belonging.

The text captures the complexity of emotions and the struggle to find a sense of belonging, reflecting the narrator's longing for comfort and stability.

The Coral Castle represents the narrator's longing for home and stability, yet they feel it is not quite home, emphasizing the struggle to find a sense of belonging.

The moment adds to the disorientation and longing for comfort, highlighting the complexity of emotions and the struggle to find a sense of belonging.

The observations and experiences shed light on the narrator's longing for comfort and stability, and offer insight into the family dynamics, contributing to the overall theme of loss and disorientation.

The move was prompted by the need to escape the bad memories associated with a chaotic incident involving the protagonist's mother, Mami Muerta.

The dining table symbolizes the family's small size and the sentimentality attached to it, playing a significant role in the family dynamics.

The feast includes ropa vieja, white rice, black beans, plantains, baked yucca, and avocado with bacalao. These emphasize the importance of Cuban cuisine in the family.

The protagonist plays waiter and slips a note to the American Stepmom, indicating a plan to manage the family dynamics.

The note suggests that the protagonist is attempting to mediate between Mami Muerta and the American Stepmom, highlighting their role in the family dynamics.

The ropa vieja is described in detail, highlighting its delicious aroma and appearance.

Mami Muerta's directive to start eating before the food gets cold reflects her assertive and authoritative nature.

The protagonist's anticipation and excitement for the feast highlight the importance of the Cuban feast as a unifying and comforting element in the family.

The protagonist's role in the family dynamics is highlighted through their actions and thoughts, showcasing their understanding of and involvement in managing the family's dynamics.

Principal Torres considers using a lie detector to determine if the students are lying, but ultimately shakes off the idea because she believes Mr. Milagros' statement about the chicken.

Sal describes himself as a showman and refers to the magician's code, stating that he lives by the code of never letting others know how the trick is done. He believes Principal Torres cannot break him with her eyes because of his showman persona.

When asked about the chicken cleanup, Mr. Milagros responds with '¿Bueno,' which is typically translated as 'good,' but in this context, it conveys a sense of resignation. Principal Torres massages her forehead in response to his answer.

After Mr. Milagros' vague response, Principal Torres goes back behind her desk, sits down, and presses a button on her phone to speak with Mr. Milagros directly, trying to gather more information about the mess he had to clean up.

Sal describes himself as being able to withstand Principal Torres' stare because he is a showman and lives by the magician's code of never revealing how the trick is done. He compares himself to a magician who never lets the audience know the secret behind the trick.

Gabi accuses Sal of trying to buy himself time by asking Principal Torres to question Mr. Milagros again. Sal responds by saying, 'Trick’s over now,' in a soft and low-key spooky manner to indicate that he is not intimidated by Gabi or her accusations.

The family's dining table symbolizes the family's small size and the sentimentality attached to it, reflecting the family dynamics.

The Cuban feast emphasizes the importance of Cuban cuisine in the family and serves as a unifying and comforting element, resolving family tensions.

The protagonist plays the role of a waiter and slips a note to the American Stepmom, indicating a plan to mediate between Mami Muerta and the American Stepmom.

It reflects her assertive and authoritative nature.

It highlights the protagonist's understanding of and involvement in managing the family's dynamics.

The ropa vieja is described in detail, highlighting its delicious aroma and appearance.

Mami Muerta's unpredictable behavior, which led to a chaotic incident, prompted the family to move from Connecticut to Florida.

The family's move to Florida was prompted by the need to escape the bad memories associated with the chaotic incident caused by Mami Muerta's unpredictable behavior.

The description of the Cuban feast awaiting them, which includes various Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, white rice, black beans, plantains, baked yucca, and avocado with bacalao, emphasizes the importance of Cuban cuisine in their family.