Carlos Hernandez is the Cuban-American author of the award-winning middle-grade novels Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe). He has a PhD in English with a special focus on creative writing and is currently a visiting creative writing professor in Western Colorado University’s Master of Fine Arts program. He designs games, loves hot sauce, and lives in New York City with his genius wife.

Both Nicole Kornher-Stace and Carlos Hernandez have a penchant for adventures that take their characters beyond the world they know via scientific discovery. In JILLIAN VS PARASITE PLANET, Nicole explores the potential trials and tribulations of space exploration through the survival tale of Jillian and her nanobot sidekick SABRINA. Carlos bends the very substance of reality when his character Sal learns to reach into alternate universes as a means of dealing with grief and death.

Here, they talk science, friendship, and resilience in middle-grade books.

How did your books come about?

CH: I suspect Nicole and I approached our books from similar vantages: we found that middle-grade didn’t cover a few topics/ideas that we thought were important, and we covered them. Rick Riordan Presents as a publisher has the goal of introducing a wide range of voices to new audiences, so that part was baked in to Sal and Gabi. For another example, I also wanted to include diabetes as a formative part of Sal’s character, both because the Latinx community has shocking numbers of Type I and Type II diabetes, and also because middle grade could use more depictions of people with conditions or disabilities as being awesome, capable, as just as able to wield cosmic powers as anyone else. In terms of science, I think as a culture we are more able now than perhaps we have ever been of using science as metaphor and allegory. Using Many Worlds theory to explore grief is something now that our middle-graders are able to do: for the first time in human history!

NKS: Exactly what Carlos said! I wanted to write a science-forward hard(ish) SF adventure story for kids with a girl protagonist, because for whatever reason the protagonists of those kids’ stories are still usually boys. And I wanted her to have a generalized anxiety disorder because my kid has one and I was frustrated with how fiction tends to depict anxiety in kids as “shyness” at the exclusion of just sooo much more. But overall I knew that if I was going to write a kids’ book it was going to be an equal balance of Science! and Adventure! because I (and my kid, who I wrote the book for) love both of those things equally. Jillian vs. Parasite Planet has Science! in the form of green tech, nanobots, artificial intelligence, and mind-control parasites that are very much based on the kind of real-life parasites we have right here on Earth. I wanted to explore all these concepts in a way that was kid-friendly and integrated into the story without ever getting into infodumps or lecturing. After all, I’m in no position to do that even if I wanted to. I’m not a scientist (even if my dad is). I just think this stuff is fascinating.

CH: Nicole, I think your depiction of anxiety alongside Science! and Adventure! is a great and important contribution to middle grade! I’ve had kids and parents reach out to me to thank me for providing in Sal and Gabi simple meditation techniques. It is so important as a middle-grade author to remember how much good you can do in with your writing.

NKS: Oh wow. That’s really super cool that you were able to help kids directly (and got proof that it was working!!).

CH: Betcha you will, too, with Jillian!

Your characters deal with some very serious life-events. What do you hope your readers will get from reading about those events?

NKS: What I really want readers to take away from Jillian’s adventures–especially kids with anxiety–is that even though Jillian’s brain gets in her way a lot, and even almost keeps her from following through on her dream of going to space when she finally get the opportunity, it also helps her think her way out of trouble. The same part of her brain that likes to play the what-if worst-case-scenario game is also the same part that makes her good at planning and being prepared for those worst-case scenarios and not spiraling into panic when they occur. Incidentally, it helps in writing those scenes too–knowing a worst-case scenario to stick your characters into, and then making them think their way out of it, absolutely taps in to the same what-if part of the anxiety!brain that can make your life miserable sometimes. So I try to make the best of it. If I’ve got that kind of brain, I may as well try to make it work for me.

CH: Nicole, I love your answer on so many levels. One of the problems of ableist thinking is that it insists on single conceptions of the “best” way a thing can be done. The way you speak of Jillian’s anxiety hear reminds me of an article I read recently that posits that pessimism, melancholy, and what my genius wife calls “White Queening” (from Through the Looking Glass) is quite possibly a survival adaptation that has allowed for human flourishing! There are multiple paths through. There are many win-conditions, and most of them are ones we can define for ourselves. The reason that I brought up a number of serious issues in a comic novel is because when seriousness undergirds comedy, the characters in the story feel more like people and less like sit-com wit-spitters who are handsome humans written with zero interiority. Who has not suffered? There just isn’t such a thing as a person who hasn’t been shaped by their suffering, their worries, their grief, their losses, their denials, their dreams deferred. Even—as much as I wish it weren’t true—children. Children, however, often haven’t yet developed a vocabulary, a set of tools to help them understand and cope with their grief and setbacks. That is a second reason I included some pretty serious stuff in the Sal and Gabi books. I want to give children words and ways to deal with that which hurts them.

What would a friendship between Jillian and Sal be like? (I’m seriously hoping for a crossover fic!)

NKS: They’re very very different, but since when does that mean they couldn’t be friends? I love writing Unlikely Friendships, they are my whole jam. I feel like Sal is a lot funnier and better at people than Jillian is–honestly none of my protagonists are good at humor or people, but that’s why they need a foil like Sal to balance them. Yeah, I could see this working for sure.

CH: In some ways, I wonder if it would depend on what mood Sal was in when they first met. If he was in his full “showman” mode, I could see how he could be a little much for Jillian. On the other hand, I think Sal would see Jillian as “someone he could work with” because of her many gifts and talents. And I am remembering the way Jillian reacts (avoiding spoilers here) to a certain shapeshifting darling Nanobot Array, and I am thinking that, perhaps depending on the mood that she is in that day, there might be nothing Sal could do to surprise her! One thing’s for sure: Gabi would be friends with her in a heartbeat.

The post Authors in Conversation: Nicole Kornher-Stace and Carlos Hernandez appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Genre: Fantasy fiction

In the magical land of Ingary, people live their lives by fairy tale tropes. So unfortunate Sophie, the eldest of three sisters and destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate, has resigned herself to spending a dull lifetime running the family hat shop. But everything changes when she encounters the powerful Witch of the Waste and a spell turns her into an old crone. Her only chance at reversing the curse is the self-absorbed and freakish Wizard Howl. Sophie now must seek out Howl’s ever-moving castle in the hills, make a deal with the a demon and ultimately, face the Witch of the Waste.

Even though the 2004 Studio Ghibli adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle (that everyone and their grandma has probably seen at least once) is more popular than the actual book, it’s definitely worth a shot because the story is whimsical and downright enchanting. It’s written in a simple yet elegant way, includes a wacky romance between a shallow, over-dramatic boy and a spirited girl who appears as a ninety year old lady, and yes it’s better than the movie.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
Genre: Fantasy fiction, mythological fiction

Aru Shah has a habit of stretching the truth a bit too far in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are flying off to family vacations in exotic locales, Aru will be spending a boring and lonely autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and culture. That changes when three of her classmates show up at her doorstep and dare her to light the cursed Lamp of Bharata. Aru accidentally frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon who freezes her mother and classmates in time. Now with the help of a long-lost half sister and a talking pigeon, Aru must find the Sleeper before he successfully wakes up the God of Destruction.

Hindu mythology and folklore blend seamlessly into the modern day world with Chokshi’s effortless, exquisite writing. The result is a bright, exhilarating and fast paced story crackling with humour that will leave you wanting more. Good thing the sequel is already out and book three comes out on April 7th!

Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Genre: Contemporary fiction

August Pullman was born with a facial difference. He has gone through quite a lot of surgeries since then. After years of being homeschooled, Auggie is now starting 5th grade at a mainstream school- and it just might be the greatest challenge he has ever had to face. He finds himself being bullied and unable to make friends, just as he had feared.

A soulful, compassionate and very special book, Wonder does a great job of letting the reader see August and the way he impacts the people around him from several perspectives. It’s one of those books that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. You might want to give the movie a try too, it’s one of the most honest book-to-screen adaptations out there.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Genre: Paranormal fiction

Cassidy Blake’s parents are professional ghost hunters, but Cass is the one who can really see them. Ever since she almost drowned and was saved by her now best friend Jacob- who also happens to be a ghost, she has been able to enter the world of spirits. When her parents go to Edinburgh for their TV show, she and Jacob unwillingly follow. There Cass encounters Lara, a girl with the same abilities as herself. On a new mission to send spirits permanently beyond the Veil, Cass encounters the sinister Red Raven haunting the city, and gets involved in a fight that stretches through both of her worlds.

Victoria Schwab’s delicious and intriguing writing is reason enough to read her works. Pick this one up for the vivid world building, the chills that will inevitably run down your spine, and Jacob. He’s adorable, you’ll see.

Stargazing by Jen Wang
Genre: Graphic novel

Christine’s new next door neighbour Moon has gradually become her best friend. Impulsive, fearless, creative Moon is everything Christine isn’t, her ways of thinking and looking at the world amaze and inspire Christine. Moon even trusts Christine with her deepest secret- that she sometimes has visions from otherworldly beings who reassure her that earth isn’t where she really belongs. Their friendship is unexpectedly tested when jealousy, social expectations and Moon’s worsening medical condition threatens to push them apart. Can they get over all that to be there for each other?

Stargazing is a deeply personal story from Jen Wang’s own childhood. The genius storytelling, stunning and expressive art style, and the lovely tale of friendship will win you over.

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Isabella Riosse is forbidden to leave the island of Joya just like everyone else, but that never stopped her from dreaming of the lands beyond that her father once mapped. When her friend goes missing, she volunteers to lead the search. Armed with her father’s maps and her knowledge of the stars, Isabella sets out to bring back her friend. Soon she finds out that an ancient  fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Following her maps, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

With her enchanting writing, Hargrave crafts a beautiful Moana-esque story of a dauntless young girl on a quest to find the truth behind the legends of her island. Read it for the lovely prose, the strong female protagonist, and the gorgeous maps.

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
Genre: Adventure fiction, historical fiction

When Vita Marlowe’s grandfather gets cheated out of his mansion by a powerful realty tycoon with ties to the mob, Vita takes it upon herself to recover the house and make him happy again. She gathers a crew of her own- a pickpocket and two boys with extraordinary skills- and hatches a plan to outwit the enemy and steal back what’s rightfully her grandfather’s. 

This book is for you if you love a gripping, action packed adventure story with strong, quirky characters who embrace their individualities instead of trying to fit in.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Arrietty Clock lives with her parents Pod and Homily Clock beneath the kitchen floor. They ‘borrow’ whatever they need from the humans who live above. Only Pod is allowed to do the ‘borrowing’ though, since the risk of being seen by the humans is too great. Arrietty is used to boredom, until the day Pod comes home from his latest expedition to tell them about the new boy. Her parents say Borrowers who are found by humans get lost forever, but desperate for a friend, Arrietty is determined to meet him.

Yet another book that has been adapted by Studio Ghibli (a lesser known movie, Arrietty is delightful nonetheless), once again with an altered story. If you love fairy tales, you’ll love this book as the writing is appropriately atmospheric and surreal.

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn
Genre: Contemporary fiction

Cat has been taking care of her brother Chicken for as long as she can remember. Chicken is autistic, and Cat is the only one who gets him. When their summer plans change unexpectedly, they end up having to spend their break at their grandparents- whom they have never met before. For the first time, Cat gets to be a kid too! Her journey takes her on the path to figure out why exactly their mother drifted apart from her parents.

Caterpillar Summer shows how strained, damaged relationships can be healed too- sometimes all we have to do is take the time to see things from others’ perspectives. If you are looking for a short, feel good read, this just might be the perfect book for you.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Genre: Science fiction

Sal Vidón prides himself on being an excellent magician. So when a raw chicken appears out of nowhere in school bully Yasmany’s locker three days after Sal started at Culeco Academy of the Arts, student council president Gabi Reál is determined to prove that Sal is the one to blame. How did Sal do it though? Was it sleight of hand? Was it… actual magic? What happens when Gabi finds out Sal can conjure bigger, scarier things that might tear the universe apart?

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe tells a bizarrely original story that is hard to describe without explaining things like why Sal’s Mami Viva is now suddenly Mami Muerta. With Hernandez’s flowing, witty, and utterly unique writing, well developed characters, and the excellent handling of the sci-fi aspects of the book, this is bound to become a story you’d want to revisit.

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
Genre: Contemporary fiction

The story begins with an empty chair, and the kid who comes to occupy it. Ahmet, the newest student in the class, is very quiet, he doesn’t talk to anyone and has an older lady help him with his lessons. Four of his classmates desperately want to befriend him. They find out Ahmet is a refugee, who had to leave his home and run away because of a war. A real one- where there are bombs and fire and people who hurt other people. Now, the kids start looking for a way to help their new friend.

Onjali Q. Rauf’s debut novel brings into light a glaring issue rarely acknowledged, in a way that will help children understand it well. The kids are determined to help Ahmet in any way they can once they realise what the term ‘refugee’ means, showing the non-judgemental, innocent mindset children possess. Written in an honest and heartwarming way, this one is a quick yet impactful read.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Genre: Fantasy fiction

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III does not fit his name, or the rest of his Viking clan, the Hairy Hooligans. He is too weak to even capture a dragon, let alone train it- at least that’s what everyone thinks. This is the first installment in the story of the mighty Viking hero known throughout the Vikingdom as The Dragon Whisperer, of how he befriended the dragon Toothless and became a hero.

I know, I know, you have probably seen the movies, they are some of Dreamworks’ best to date! Don’t go into the book expecting it to be anything like them though, the stories are very different. However, in case the promise of Toothless and Hiccup’s incredible dynamic and the presence of dragons of every shape and size aren’t enough to convince you to read the book, the audiobook is narrated by David Tennant, in his Scottish accent! Just saying…

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

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