Read this when
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
For the ones who were taught feelings are something to hide. Ari figured it out one summer at a time. ☀️
Who it's for
Ari narrates in short, spare chapters full of questions he can't answer, which mirrors how confusing emotions feel to someone taught not to have them.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Benjamin Alire Sáenz's 2012 coming-of-age novel is set in El Paso, Texas, in 1987 and narrated by Aristotle 'Ari' Mendoza, a 15-year-old Mexican-American boy. Ari meets Dante Quintana at a local swimming pool and the two become close friends, and their bond deepens after Ari saves Dante from an oncoming car. Ari also struggles with family silences, including an older brother who is in prison.
Where to find it
In print; widely available from libraries (Libby/Hoopla, where held) and as an audiobook. Not public domain. Audiobook narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda; 2022 film adaptation.
Before you start
Heads up: Homophobic assault and a car accident.
Age: Ages 14+
The bird wishes it were a cloud. The cloud wishes it were a bird.Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 35
