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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

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Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World is a coming-of-age story about two Mexican-American boys who fall in love in the summer of 1987. The novel is written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and was published in 2012. It won the Pura Belpré Award and the Stonewall Book Award in 2013.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

by Benjamin Alire Saenz

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1890 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	525 pages

The novel follows the two boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, including their own sexuality. Aristotle is a quiet and introspective boy who loves to read and write. Dante is a more outgoing and passionate boy who loves to swim and play baseball. The two boys become friends and eventually fall in love. However, their love is not without its challenges. They must deal with the homophobia of their families and friends, as well as their own internal struggles with their sexuality.

Despite the challenges they face, Aristotle and Dante's love for each other is strong and unyielding. They learn to accept themselves and each other for who they are, and they find strength in their love. Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World is a beautiful and moving story about the power of love and the importance of self-acceptance.

Characters

Aristotle Mendoza: A quiet and introspective boy who loves to read and write.
Dante Quintana: A more outgoing and passionate boy who loves to swim and play baseball.
Benny Mendoza: Aristotle's older brother, who is a Vietnam War veteran.
Sofia Mendoza: Aristotle's mother, who is a devout Catholic.
Linda Quintana: Dante's mother, who is a single parent.

Themes

Love: The novel explores the power of love, both romantic and familial. Aristotle and Dante's love for each other is strong and unyielding, and it helps them to overcome the challenges they face.
Friendship: Aristotle and Dante's friendship is the foundation of their relationship. They are there for each other through thick and thin, and they help each other to grow and learn.
Family: The novel also explores the importance of family. Aristotle and Dante's families are both loving and supportive, and they play an important role in their lives.
Identity: Aristotle and Dante are both struggling to find their own identities. They are trying to figure out who they are and what they want out of life. The novel explores the challenges and rewards of self-discovery.
Self-acceptance: Aristotle and Dante both learn to accept themselves for who they are. They learn to love themselves, even if others do not understand them.

Reception

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World has received critical acclaim. The novel has been praised for its beautiful writing, its complex characters, and its important themes. It has been included on many lists of the best books of the year, and it has won numerous awards.

Awards

* Pura Belpré Award (2013) * Stonewall Book Award (2013) * Lambda Literary Award for Best Youth/Teen Novel (2013) * National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2013) * Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature (2014)

Legacy

Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World is a groundbreaking novel that has had a profound impact on young people. The novel has helped to change the way that we think about love, friendship, and family. It is a story that will continue to be read and loved for generations to come.

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World

by Benjamin Alire Saenz

4.6 out of 5