Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Set in El Paso, Texas, in the 1980s, "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" follows two Mexican-American teenage boys, Ari Mendoza and Dante Quintana, who meet at a swimming pool. Ari, introspective and struggling with thoughts of his imprisoned older brother, can't swim, and Dante, bright, quirky, and artistic, offers to teach him. Despite their contrasting personalities—Dante is open and Ari has built walls around himself—they forge a deep and transformative friendship. The young adult novel explores their bond, their struggles with identity and sexuality, and the hurdles they face as they navigate adolescence and discover the secrets of the universe and themselves.