Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller — Content Guide for Parents

Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is the beloved cult classic about family, friendship and first love, from award-winning author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. This lyrical novel will enrapture readers of John Green, Love, Simon and Call Me by Your Name.
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison.
Dante is a know-it-all who has a unique perspective on life.
When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they develop 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 the universe, themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
This incredibly moving and powerful Printz Honor Book follows two teen boys learning to open themselves up to love, despite the world being against them.
'A tender, honest exploration of identity' – Publishers Weekly
Frequently asked questions
Is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes a scene where Dante is beaten by homophobic bullies, resulting in him being hospitalized. Additionally, there is a mention of a car accident and a character breaking another boy's nose. No content described as scary or age-inappropriate is mentioned in the search results.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have violence?
The narrative includes a scene where Dante is beaten by homophobic bullies, resulting in him being hospitalized. Additionally, there is a mention of a car accident and a character breaking another boy's nose.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have scary content?
No content described as scary or age-inappropriate is mentioned in the search results.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the book's narrative.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have racial/cultural content?
The story features two Mexican American boys and explores their cultural identities and experiences growing up in El Paso, Texas. The narrative highlights their shared heritage and the impact it has on their friendship.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have profanity?
Ari experiments with curse words and discusses language with his mother, who disapproves of certain words. This indicates the presence of mild profanity in the narrative.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions are present in the book's narrative.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have sexual identity?
The book discusses sexual orientation and includes a scene where Dante asks Ari about masturbation. It explores the characters' struggles with their sexual identities and their feelings for each other.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have gender roles?
The book raises questions about identity, particularly in terms of sexuality and gender. It portrays the boys experimenting with their identities and relationships, indicating a modern feminist perspective on gender roles.
Does Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe The multi-award-winning international bestseller have lgbtq+ themes?
The book is described as a coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the struggles of growing up as LGBTQ+. It specifically addresses sexual orientation as Dante comes to terms with his homosexuality and Ari grapples with his feelings for Dante.



