Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
FlumeAward – Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe 
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
{spoilers!!!] LOVELY book. The two boys are engaging characters, and both have these awesomely supportive families which is a nice change in this brand of fiction. The first person narrative is great because the reader gets to work thru Ari’s conflicted feelings about his friendship with Dante and you feel his tension and relief right along with him when he finally accepts their relationship. Awesome book, would be great contender for final list! – Liz G, Merrimack PL
Jan. 27, 2014 — Two teenage boys become best friends: Dante is artistic and uninhibited, while Ari is an introspective loner with some family issues. Both youths are Mexican-American, living in the Southwestern U.S. during the late 1980’s. Dante initially hides being gay from Ari, but eventually confides. Although this fact about Dante doesn’t end their friendship, Ari is clearly interested in an older girl from school. The experiences and emotions of Aristotle and Dante feel timeless and authentic. I laughed, cringed, cried, and laughed some more. One of my favorite books ever. Wally Keniston, Oyster River High School Library, Durham.
January 28, 2014 —
This book was fantastic! I think it is definitely nominee worthy and I’ve been recommending it to the teens that come into the library. Some of them have given me feedback and it has all been positive. The author did an incredible job in character development. Reading about Ari and Dante’s friendship throughout the book made me feel as if they were real and I think that is one of the most important aspects of a book. The parents were well described, as well. Although Ari and Dante have different personalities we can certainly learn from the both of them, such as Ari’s loyalty and Dante’s enthusiasm. I was pleasantly surprised at the end and I am so glad that Ari fought the battle that was fighting within him. Great book! I recommend it for the "final 10."
-My name is Natalie Coolen from the Rodgers Memorial Library in Hudson and I think this book would appeal to both boys and girls in grades 9-12.
Aristotle (Ari), a boy who lives in a house where there are a lot of secrets, meets Dante who seems to use words a lot. (Spoiler alert)Their friendship blossoms and over time becomes more. – Stonewall and American Book Award Winner, contains themes of secrets, growth, life changing events, every-day life, a good relationship with parents, homosexuality, a father that lived through fighting in Vietnam, a brother in prison. Both boys are Mexican American. I read this last March (2013) and it is engaging, this seems like it would be a good addition to the list. – Sharon Flesher, Nashua South