The novel follows the lives of two teenage boys, Aristotle "Ari" Básquez and Dante Quintana, who form an unlikely friendship during the summer of 1985. Ari, a quiet and introspective 15-year-old, is struggling to come to terms with his family's past and his own sense of identity. Dante, on the other hand, is a charismatic and adventurous 15-year-old who is grappling with his own family dynamics and sense of belonging.