Carlos Hernandez

Carlos Alberto Pablo Hernandez is an American science fiction and fantasy author known for his award-winning young adult novels. His book "Sal and Gabi Break the Universe" received the 2020 Pura Belpré Award, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary children's literature. An accomplished academic, Hernandez earned his Ph.D. in English from Binghamton University and serves as an English professor at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College. He brings his expertise to the Interactive Technology and Pedagogy Program at the CUNY Graduate Center, bridging traditional literature with modern educational approaches. Hernandez has made notable contributions to game development and design, co-founding the CUNY Games Network and the Board Game Designers Group of New York. His work includes writing for the computer role-playing game "Meriwether" and serving as a literary curator for the Apple Arcade game "Dear Reader." The author maintains strong ties to both academic and creative communities from his home in Queens, New York. His professional accomplishments span multiple genres and formats, from young adult fiction to game design, reflecting his diverse interests in storytelling and education.

Readers connect with Hernández's distinct YA fantasy voice and incorporation of Cuban-American themes. On Goodreads, his novel "Sal and Gabi Break the Universe" holds a 4.27/5 rating from over 3,500 readers. Readers highlight: - Natural, humorous dialogue - Complex family dynamics - Representation of Cuban culture and food - Science concepts made accessible - Treatment of grief and loss - Diverse characters without making diversity the focus Common criticisms: - Plot pacing drags in middle sections - Some find the humor forced - Science elements confuse younger readers Review stats: Goodreads: "Sal and Gabi Break the Universe" - 4.27/5 (3,500+ ratings) "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe" - 4.34/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: "Sal and Gabi Break the Universe" - 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) "Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe" - 4.8/5 (400+ ratings) Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal both gave starred reviews to the Sal and Gabi books.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (2019) Thirteen-year-old Sal Vidon, who can reach into parallel universes, and his friend Gabi Real navigate multiple dimensions while dealing with their school's disappearing chicken and Sal's deceased mother appearing from other timelines.

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe (2020) In this sequel, Sal and Gabi must work together to repair tears in the universe while confronting an artificial intelligence version of Gabi's father who believes he knows what's best for everyone.

Daniel José Older writes urban fantasy featuring Cuban-American protagonists and incorporates Caribbean mythology into contemporary settings. His Shadowshaper series combines magic with themes of family and identity, similar to Hernandez's approach to cultural storytelling.

Zoraida Córdova creates fantasy narratives that blend Latin American folklore with modern settings and young protagonists discovering their powers. Her Brooklyn Brujas series deals with family dynamics and magical heritage in ways that parallel Hernandez's work.

Pablo Cartaya writes middle-grade fiction centered on Cuban-American experiences and family relationships. His books explore cultural identity and community connections through the lens of young characters navigating between worlds.

Diana López focuses on middle-grade stories featuring Latino characters dealing with family, school, and growing up. Her work addresses similar themes of identity and belonging that appear in Hernandez's books.

Rebecca Balcárcel creates stories about biracial and bicultural experiences in contemporary settings. Her work explores themes of science, family connections, and finding one's place in the world through middle-grade narratives.