NEW YORK — Benjamin Sáenz, the acclaimed American novelist, poet and short story writer best known for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, has died at the age of 71. His publisher, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, confirmed his death on July 29, saying the celebrated author passed away on Tuesday, July 28.

Raised in the Borderland region of El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sáenz built a literary career that reflected the people, culture and landscapes of the US-Mexico border. His emotionally rich storytelling earned widespread praise and established him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary American literature.

Award-Winning Works Inspired Generations

More than 100 words into his remarkable career, Benjamin Sáenz became best known for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Set in 1980s El Paso, the coming-of-age novel follows the friendship of two teenage boys whose bond gradually develops into love. The book became a landmark title in young adult fiction and gained a devoted global readership.

Sáenz also earned widespread recognition for Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club, a collection of short stories that won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 2013. The collection brought national and international attention to his work while highlighting themes of identity, relationships and life along the Borderland.

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A Legacy Beyond Literature

Throughout his career, Sáenz wrote poetry, novels and short fiction that explored belonging, identity and human connection. His work captured both the beauty and the challenges of life in the Borderland, inspiring readers across generations.

At his request, supporters established the Benjamin Alire Sáenz Literary Fund to help develop a literary festival in El Paso. The initiative aims to support writers, promote literary arts and continue his vision of inspiring future generations through storytelling.

Benjamin Alire Sáenz leaves behind a body of work that transformed contemporary literature and gave voice to communities whose stories continue to resonate with readers around the world.