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Representation that Radiates Joy

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe I Carlos Hernandez

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What would you do if you had the power to reach through time and space and retrieve anything you want, including your mother, who is no longer living (in this universe, anyway)?
When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared.

Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken--including his dead mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.

Builds Confidence and Self-Love with Every Page

We don’t just include diverse books — we center them. Every story we carry celebrates BIPOC voices and puts underrepresented protagonists front and center, ensuring every child can say, “That’s me.”

Authored by a BIPOC Creator — Real Representation, not Tokenism

We intentionally seek out BIPOC and indie creators whose stories deserve to shine — building shelves you won’t find anywhere else.

Vetted by Educators and Families for Quality and Age-Fit

Find the perfect book tailored to your child’s age, interests, and identity, making storytime meaningful and engaging.

Every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read.

You know that feeling when your kid sees themselves in a book and suddenly walks a little taller? That’s what we’re here for. Our curated collection is handpicked for one purpose: to help every child feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to dream big—no more endless scrolling or settling for stories that fall short. Here, every book is chosen to nurture confidence, empathy, and cultural pride.

Meet the Founder

Hi, children’s book lover! I’m Kanika.

As a classroom teacher, I’d spent countless afternoons searching for stories where my students could see themselves and came up empty-handed. I was tired of books that treated diversity like a checkbox, or worse, turned childhood joy into trauma. So, I did what teachers do best — I built what was missing.

My best friend and I began curating, partnering with independent authors and BIPOC creators to source high-quality stories that celebrated identity and belonging. We turned our living rooms into libraries and our mission into movement.

In 2019, Stories of a Colorful World launched with a simple promise: no more token shelves, no more exhausting searches — just stories that reflect every child’s worth.

Today, our collection spans 300+ titles by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color authors — books that build empathy, pride, and confidence one story at a time.

  • Curated for Every Stage

    Our bookshop replaces overwhelm with ease: intentional, pre-vetted, and organized by what actually matters who your kids are becoming.

  • Building Empathy & Cultural Pride

    Each book is selected to stretch empathy, self-awareness, and cultural pride at every age and stage.

  • Stories They’ll Return To

    Our books are revisited again and again, with age-appropriate themes that build emotional intelligence, identity, and curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your books good gifts?

Yes! We offer curated bundles by age and theme — perfect for birthdays, holidays, and classrooms.

Can educators order in bulk?

Absolutely. We support schools, libraries, and community programs — contact us for custom quotes.

Do you offer digital books?

Not yet, but we’re exploring options for classrooms soon!

Because when children see themselves in stories, they don’t just read — they rise.