"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" is a young adult novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. It follows two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle "Ari" Mendoza and Dante Quintana, as they navigate their friendship and personal identities in 1980s El Paso, Texas. The story explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. Throughout the novel, Ari and Dante confront their feelings and the challenges of growing up. Their bond deepens as they share their experiences, including struggles with cultural identity and sexuality. The narrative emphasizes the importance of friendship and understanding in the journey of finding oneself.