Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	February 21, 2012 (2012-02-21)
Founder	Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Products	Young adult novel

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a coming-of-age young adult novel authored by American writer Benjamin Alire Sáenz, initially released on February 21, 2012. Set against the backdrop of El Paso, Texas in 1987, it centers on two Mexican-American adolescents, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, as they navigate their friendship alongside challenges involving racial identity, sexuality, and family relationships. The book has been met with widespread critical praise and has received several awards.

A follow-up titled Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World was published on October 12, 2021. Additionally, a film adaptation scripted and directed by Aitch Alberto debuted on September 9, 2022.

Plot

During the summer of 1987, fifteen-year-old Aristotle Mendoza encounters Dante Quintana at a neighborhood swimming pool. They quickly connect over their classical names and develop a close bond. Dante introduces Ari to literature and poetry, while Ari admires Dante’s swimming talent and genuine nature.

Dante shares that his family will be relocating temporarily to Chicago due to his father’s teaching position at the University of Chicago. On that same day, while attempting to aid an injured bird, Ari rescues Dante from an approaching vehicle but sustains serious injuries himself. This event strengthens the connection between their families.

Before departing, Dante confesses his love for both swimming and Ari. They promise to maintain their friendship until Dante’s return the following summer.

Throughout their time apart, Dante sends letters describing his experiences in Chicago and his struggles with his sexual identity. Meanwhile, Ari learns to drive, develops feelings for a classmate, and seeks understanding regarding his brother Bernardo’s imprisonment for undisclosed reasons.

When Dante returns the next summer, he persuades Ari to share a tentative kiss. While Dante’s affection for Ari is evident, Ari initially does not feel the same way.

Following the death of Ari’s Aunt Ophelia—whose extended family disapproved of her long-term same-sex partnership—Ari’s mother reveals that Bernardo was incarcerated for killing a transgender prostitute he hired at age fifteen.

Dante suffers an assault after kissing his boyfriend Daniel publicly and is hospitalized. Ari confronts one of the assailants at work. Mr. Quintana admits he had suspected Dante’s sexuality based on how he looked at Ari; Mrs. Quintana believes Dante loves Ari more than Daniel.

During a family meeting called by Ari’s mother, Ari openly acknowledges his love for Dante. Their families grow closer through shared activities like bowling; later in the desert, Ari kisses Dante, embracing his emotions without reservation.

Themes

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe explores central themes such as Mexican-American cultural identity, gender and sexuality, traditional gender roles associated with masculinity, homosexuality, intellectual curiosity, artistic creativity, familial bonds, and friendship.

Critical reception

The novel garnered significant critical acclaim including starred evaluations from Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal.

Kirkus Reviews highlighted its "careful pacing and deeply developed characters" which illuminate the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. A review in Publishers Weekly described it as "a heartfelt and sincere examination of identity and sexuality," emphasizing that love—whether romantic or familial—should be expressed freely and without shame.

The book has also achieved considerable popularity among readers; by May 2016, more than four years after its release, it held the top position on Goodreads’ list of favored LGBT fiction. Sáenz mentioned in an NPR interview that no other work of his had ever received such an enthusiastic response.

The audiobook version, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, received a starred review from Booklist, which commended Miranda’s "subtle and detailed narration," despite noting occasional distracting pauses at chapter conclusions.

Awards and honors

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was selected as a Junior Library Guild title.

In 2012, both Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal included it among the best books published that year.

The American Library Association honored the novel in 2013 by placing it on their annual top ten list for Best Fiction for Young Adults and featuring it on the Rainbow List. Additionally, the Association for Library Service to Children designated it as a Notable Children's Book.

The audiobook edition received multiple accolades from Booklist, appearing on lists such as Booklist Editors' Choice: Audio for Youth (2013), "Top 10 Multicultural Fiction on Audio" (2015), "Top 10 LGBTQ on Audio" (2015), and "Top 10 Oscar Nominees on Audio" (2019).

Awards received by Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Year	Award	Outcome
2013	Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award	Finalist
	Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature	Winner
	Michael L. Printz Award	Honor
	Pura Belpré Narrative Medal for Latino fiction	Winner
	Stonewall Book Award	Winner

Sequel

In 2016, Sáenz revealed plans for a follow-up novel initially titled There Will Be Other Summers. By 2020, he had finished writing the manuscript but opted to rename the project as its direction shifted. Simon and Schuster announced in February 2021 that the sequel, now titled Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, would be published on October 12, 2021.

Adaptations

An audiobook narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda was released in April 2013, with a total duration of 7 hours and 29 minutes.

Efforts to adapt the novel into a film commenced in 2016, advancing by 2018 when filmmaker Aitch Alberto took on screenwriting duties. By October 2021, Alberto was confirmed as director for her feature debut adaptation, featuring actors Max Pelayo and Reese Gonzales in leading roles, supported by Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Verónica Falcón, Isabella Gomez, Luna Blaise, and Kevin Alejandro. Principal photography took place between October and November 2021. The movie premiered at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2022.

Censorship

In April 2025, Belarus's Lukashenko administration classified this book among printed materials considered detrimental to national interests.

See also

• Chicano literature