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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

--Staff Picks

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Published: 2012
Age Range: Young adult
Genre: Fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction
Awards: Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book, Stonewall Book Award, Pura Belpré Award, Lambda Literary Award, Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalist

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe centers on narrator Aristotle (Ari), a fifteen-year-old in El Paso, Texas, particularly his friendship with another boy, Dante. In this coming-of-age story, Sáenz expertly explores the tension and confusion that are central to the adolescent experience as well as the challenges that come with navigating same-sex desire as a teenager. It’s a wonderful book that can resonate with young adult and adult readers.

Sáenz wrote a follow-up to this book, titled Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World. Additionally, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was adapted into a film. Both books as well as the movie are available at HPL. Head to our catalog to reserve them!