Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Category: Book
By (author): Saenz, Benjamin Alire
Subject:  YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / General (see also headings under Social Themes)
  YOUNG ADULT FICTION / LGBT
  YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
Audience: young adult
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: April 2014
Format: Book-paperback
Pages: 368
Size: 8.25in x 5.50in x 1.00in
Our Price:
$ 19.99
Availability:
Available to order

Bookshelf comment

Dante and Ari are opposite in so many ways that Ari doubts that they will ever understand each other, let alone form a friendship. However, a bond does develop between the boys, depicted through a series of revealing letters and provocative conversations which draw the reader into their surprising inner worlds. Highly recommended.

Additional Notes

From The Publisher*This Printz Honor Book is a "tender, honest exploration of identity" (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship-the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Review Quote** "A tender, honest exploration of identity and sexuality, and a passionate reminder that love-whether romantic or familial-should be open, free, and without shame."
Review Quote** "Authentic teen and Latino dialogue should make it a popular choice."
Review Quote** "Meticulous pacing and finely nuanced characters underpin the author's gift for affecting prose that illuminates the struggles within relationships."
Review Quote*"Sáenez writes toward the end of the novel that "to be careful with people and words was a rare and beautiful thing." And that's exactly what Sáenez does-he treats his characters carefully, giving them space and time to find their place in the world, and to find each other...those struggling with their own sexuality may find it to be a thought-provoking read."
Review Quote*"Sáenz has written the greater love story, for his is the story of loving one's self, of love between parents and children, and of the love that builds communities, in addition to the deepening love between two friends."
Review Quote*"Ari's first-person narrative-poetic, philosophical, honest-skillfully develops the relationship between the two boys from friendship to romance."
Review Quote*"Primarily a character- and relationship-driven novel, written with patient and lyrical prose that explores the boys' emotional lives with butterfly-wing delicacy."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Review Quote*"Sáenz is a master at capturing the conversation of teens with each other and with the adults in their lives."
Review Quote*"This book took my breath away. What gorgeous writing, and what a story! I loved both these boys. And their parents! Don't we all wish we had parents like theirs? The ending - and the way it unfolded - was so satisfying. I could go on and on...suffice it to say I will be highly recommending it to one and all. I'm sure I'll reread it myself at some point. I hated having it end."