Fifteen-year-old Aristotle also known as Ari, in spite of being unable to swim, visits a nearby pool in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. There he meets another fifteen-year-old, the talkative Dante, who teaches Ari to swim and, along the way, becomes what Ari describes as his first real friend. Through their time together Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he’s never asked before.

Written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, an author of poetry and prose for adults and teens, this book was notable from the start. Benjamin Alire Saenz teaches creative writing at the University of Texas, El Paso and is the winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the American Book Award for his books for adults. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was a Printz Honor Book, the Stonewall Award winner, the Pura Belpre Award winner, the Lambda Literary Award winner, and a finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. 

For a dude who barely shows emotions, Ari’s relationship with his best friend, Dante, takes him on a rollercoaster that cannot be ignored. I love how this book shows that when a person comes in your life they can make a significant difference in your world. Books like these should be known because Sáenz displays an emotional truth of what teenage boys go through with family and friends. If you like John Green or what teenagers go through in their life, I recommend this book to you.

Come to the Library and check it out because it’s an unforgettable book!