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How Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is One of the Most Reflective Books of Our Generation

By: Kaia B.

One of the first things I thought of and questioned when I began reading Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe is, “Both Ari and Dante are fifteen, and they act so much younger than me.” Since I’m ‘only’ fourteen and always called ‘mature for my age’ by my teachers and other adults, seeing how teenagers acted in 1987, the year the book takes place, really got me thinking.

    In the book, Ari and Dante spend their time during summer swimming, playing at the park, and overall having fun without their parents. The book mentions many times how Ari doesn’t like to watch TV, and how Dante especially does not like to wear shoes. This, compared to how I grew up and how I, being a year younger than them when the book starts, am experiencing things, made me think, as stated.

As spoken on social media such as Tik Tok and Instagram, there have been many reports that my generation has been forced to grow up too fast. There’s evidence of it, too.

With big events such as 9/11, the Stock Market Downturn of 2002, Hurricane Katrina of 2005, and the Great Recession of 2008 surrounding our births, Gen Z was already around traumatizing happenings from a young age. And this only adds to the greater exposed crime, which is a factor in the common saying of parents to kids of “be home when the street lights turn on.”

In Ari and Dante’s case in 1987-1989, they and presumably other teenagers were able to stay out late at night (per one of Ari and Dante’s favorite activities of driving to the desert to see the stars), head out to the park without parent supervision, and other things that I wasn’t able to experience.

I don’t know about my peers, but as a kid, going out to the park three blocks away and other activities weren’t as accessible to me as it was to Ari and Dante. Even now, my parents constantly remind me to be careful on the bus, pay attention while walking, and don't display that you have things worthy of taking, among other things.

In the 1980s, crime rate was at an all time high. Surprisingly, it’s lower now. However, with social media and more news outlets, crime is displayed more frequently. Not to mention the constant fear mongering and other fear tactics.

Crime isn’t the only thing taking the teenage life from teenagers today. “Forced to grow up too fast” is also the work of societal expectations.

Another trending topic on social media, pre-teens or tweens today are skipping the phase that younger generations went through, which was mainly glitter and unicorns and things society would now call ‘cringey.’ It’s in statistics, too. Multiple pre-teen stores like Justice and Claire’s have been having to shut down due to lack of business. Even older siblings question why 11-14 year olds look older than they were at that age.

Pre-teens are exposed to more social media, which includes not only beauty standards but issues around the world, as brought up with crime. Racism, homophobia, religious debates, global warming, and many more types of prejudice is what I and many others have found themselves surrounded by. Older politicians are influencing how they leave the world for us to deal with, and many, like myself, want to do something about it. It’s a lot to think about when you’re exposed to it.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an overall fantastic book in many aspects. The story features relationships between parental figures, dealing with the effects of a parent’s trauma as a child, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. But the thing that stood out to me was the reflectiveness of my own life and the discussions about Gen Z’s childhood going around social media. I, personally, like where I am at now, and my childhood, but it got me wondering how my childhood and now could be different if social media hadn’t been brought to the surface.

So, the real question is, how does this upbringing affect future kids?

How do little kids become sporting superstars? Find out in this inspiring board book for little ones.

Everyone, from Usain Bolt to Simone Biles, was once a small child learning about the world. Read how a diverse array of sporty kids found what they loved to do, worked hard, and followed their passions all the way into adulthood.

With adorable illustrations of top sports stars as typical young kids, then as superstar adults, sporting greats will seem like friends to your little one, and kids will see that sporting greatness is achievable.

Meet Lionel Messi when he was a small child learning to play football, Usain Bolt before he became a super sprinter, Ellie Simmonds as she developed a love of water, and figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu when he joined his sister on the ice and became a figure skater.

Let your child turn the pages and see that, like their heroes, the experiences and passions they have now can lead to incredible achievements.

Learn your back springs from your bridges in this first gymnastics book for young fans and future Olympians.

Meet the stars of the gymnastic world in this sports book, from Simone Biles to Max Whitlock, and find out how they train and perfect routines to take to the floor and wow the judging panel.

With tons of photos and step-by-step illustrations, this book breaks down some of the complicated moves used in gymnastics routines, covering both simple and high-level gymnastics. Parallel bars, the pommel horse, and other key pieces of equipment are profiled alongside how they're used. The differences between rhythmic, acrobatic, and artistic gymnastics are explained with the help of exciting photos of expert gymnasts. Introducing world-champion individuals and international teams, this guide is great for kids that are obsessed with gymnastics.

Back in 775 BC, athletes from all over Ancient Greece came together to compete in various games. The contests were held every four years and winning athletes brought honor and respect to their homelands.

The tradition of the Olympic Games faded over time until 1896, when they were brought back to life. The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, with over two hundred athletes from fourteen countries. Today, nearly three thousand years after the first Games, the Summer Olympics attract one hundred thousand top athletes from over two hundred countries. Billions of fans around the world cheer on their national teams to bring back the gold.

New York Times bestselling sportswriter John Feinstein dives headfirst into a scandal of Olympic proportions in this exciting sports mystery.
 Teen sports reporter Susan Carol is competing as a swimmer at her first-ever Olympic games. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and her best friend Stevie is both amazed and envious. Usually they cover sporting events together, now he’s covering her. But Stevie can’t shake the feeling that something’s not right. Everyone wants a piece of Susan Carol’s success—agents, sponsors, the media. Just how far will they go to ensure that America’s newest Olympic darling wins gold?
 
John Feinstein has been praised as “the best writer of sports books in America today” (The Boston Globe), and he proves it again in this fast-paced novel.

Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia's journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.
Expert illustrations that capture the energy and fluidity of Nadia's exuberant gymnastic routines and referential back matter round out this inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. A perfect 10.

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

All About the Olympic Games is a great new book to get kids excited about the Olympic Games while learning about the customs and traditions of the Games Learn about the history of the Olympic Games in this full-color book bursting with information to get kids ready to enjoy the Games.Historic photos and illustrations accompany brief, easy-to-read, engaging text. Perfect for kids

All About the Olympic Games includes information about:

• The First Olympic Games in Greece
• The start of the International Olympic Committee and the Modern Olympic Games
• Opening and Closing Ceremony traditions
• Olympic Flame and the torchbearer relay
• The true meaning of the Olympic Flag
• The Olympic Creed
• Lists of all Summer and Winter Games sports

Bring the excitement of the Olympics home with the BONUS PAGES At Home Olympic Games. Kids can participate in a series of events at home while reinforcing their math skills. Kids get 6 event cards using simple household items to try events like Long Jump, Javelin Throw, and Shotput. Easy fun at home while practicing estimation and measurement. Includes medal coloring pages so kids can award medals after competing in the at-home the events

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Never Have I Ever... season 2 may be over, but these books can help fill that gaping hole left by Devi and the Drama.

This list includes heroines who are:

1. smart, nerdy-(ish) young women who try to break out of family constraints

2. have some HEAVY baggage work through

3. are pretty love-struck most of the time

4. have immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves

5. struggle to find their own voice and desires while sticking close to the values they were raised with

5b. unintentionally find themselves in the middle of drama

A healing story of loss and love, this beautiful picture book reminds us that the people who mean the most to us are always with us.Charlie loves to dance her way through life with her grandma. They may not always be together, but each time they part Grandma says, "If you miss me, look at the moon." Then winter brings unexpected change, and not even dancing feels the same. What will Charlie do? Will Grandma come to see her dance again? In the biggest show of the year, Charlie finds her answer. This tender exploration of loss from debut author-illustrator Jocelyn Li Langrand illuminates the boundless power of love to help and heal.

"An Antidote to Anti-Asian Racism" -Red Tricycle May, a seven-year-old brown girl in the United States, learns the story of Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, the first hero of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Li’s bravery and perseverance inspire May as she navigates many of the challenges millions of kids around the world are facing through this pandemic.

From the team behind the bestselling The Hug, a heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing.

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends.
They wanted to give each other a great, big hug.
But they weren't allowed to touch.

"Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them."

So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved.

A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

 

 

The bestselling author of I Love My Hair! joins forces with a dynamic photography duo in this stunning celebration of the many things you can be!

What will you choose to be?
A free spirit?
A weaver of words?
A star dancing across the night sky?
A limitless galaxy?

The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential. With lyrical text by bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley and images by Regis and Kahran Bethencourt—the team behind CreativeSoul Photography—each page of The Me I Choose To Be is an immersive call for self-love and highlights the inherent beauty of all Black and brown children.

 

 

 

 

 

A breathtakingly simple poem of universal experience shows us the transformative power of collective action.

"Together offers a vision of the world we want for our children, one in which all living things flourish, our communities thrive, and justice prevails.”—Ibram X. Kendi, author of Antiracist Baby

In Together, social justice kids book pioneer Innosanto Nagara teams up with poet and activist Mona Damluji for a stunningly tender and pitch-perfect visual feast that juxtaposes individual action with the power of people acting together. Each of the ten free-verse couplets in the poem is spread across four pages of imagery, to make a unique and different kind of board book for young kids to discover with their families.

The first illustrated book in which Nagara applies his extraordinary visual imagination to words not his own, Together is simplicity itself—a poem about the transformational change that happens when people stop acting alone and start doing things together. Together is Nagara’s third board book, following the immensely popular social justice board books A is for Activist and Counting on Community.

 

 

A tale of one family's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border during the Mexican Revolution that is every bit as relevant and heartbreaking today

It is 1913, and twelve-year-old Petra Luna's mama has died while the Revolution rages in Mexico. Before her papa is dragged away by soldiers, Petra vows to him that she will care for the family she has left—her abuelita, little sister Amelia, and baby brother Luisito—until they can be reunited. They flee north through the unforgiving desert as their town burns, searching for safe harbor in a world that offers none.

 

Each night when Petra closes her eyes, she holds her dreams close, especially her long-held desire to learn to read. Abuelita calls these barefoot dreams: "They're like us barefoot peasants and indios – they're not meant to go far." But Petra refuses to listen. Through battlefields and deserts, hunger and fear, Petra will stop at nothing to keep her family safe and lead them to a better life across the U.S. border – a life where her barefoot dreams could finally become a reality.