Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Series

by Benjamin Alire Saenz

(2 reviews)

The Aristotle and Dante series by Benjamin Alire Sáenz is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant coming-of-age story ideal for older teens aged 14+. Beginning with the award-winning Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, the series follows two Mexican-American boys as they navigate friendship, identity, family, and first love in 1980s Texas.

Told with lyrical prose and profound emotional insight, these books explore themes of masculinity, cultural heritage, mental health, grief, and LGBTQ+ identity with sensitivity and depth. Sáenz's writing encourages empathy, reflection, and open-hearted discussion—making the series an excellent choice for mature readers, book clubs, and older teen classrooms exploring character-driven contemporary fiction.

The sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, continues their journey with more focus on emotional growth, activism, and the challenges of building a future in a complicated world. With its powerful depiction of adolescence and thoughtful, tender storytelling, the series offers rich material for both personal reading and educational settings focused on diversity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.

All the Aristotle and Dante books in order:

Book 1: Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2013)
Book 2: Dive Into the Waters of the World (2021)

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Benjamin Alire Saenz (2)

Book 1

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Book 1

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

This Printz Honor Book is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths ab... MoreAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

(1 review) 5 1

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Book 2