Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, friendship, love, and self-discovery.

Set in the 1980s, the story follows Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza, a quiet and introspective teenager, and Dante Quintana, a free-spirited and expressive boy. When they meet at a swimming pool one summer, they form an unexpected but deep friendship. Through their journey, Ari and Dante navigate the complexities of family expectations, cultural identity, and their own evolving feelings for each other.