Who Would Like This Book:
If you love stories about finding your voice and challenging expectations, "The Poet X" will grab you from page one. Written in powerful, accessible verse, the book brings to life Xiomara - a fierce, passionate teen growing up in a strict Dominican household in Harlem. The poetry format feels raw, vivid, and alive, making you want to shout and cheer for Xio as she battles for self-expression amid family, faith, and the world’s judgments. This is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age tales, stories about cultural identity and family, or even those who think they're not "into" poetry - this one might change your mind! Audiobook lovers should definitely consider listening, as the author’s narration adds an extra spark.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers might find the verse format a bit unconventional - or feel it moves too quickly through side characters and plot points. If you prefer traditional prose with lots of backstory and detailed world-building, this direct, sometimes spare style could feel limiting. Others struggled with the emotional intensity and the difficult family dynamics or felt certain issues wrapped up a little too neatly by the end. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read or dislike books dealing frankly with topics like religion, body image, and family conflict, this might not be your best match.
About:
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel powerfully written in verse, following the story of Xiomara, a young Dominican American girl from Harlem struggling with cultural, religious, and emotional conflicts. Xiomara finds solace in expressing herself through poetry as she navigates her teenage years, dealing with family expectations, first love, and finding her own voice. The book is written in a diary-like format, with each poem resembling an entry from Xiomara's point of view, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her words.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Poet X include sexual harassment, misogyny, child abuse, and homophobia.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present in The Poet X, primarily focused on Xiomara's feelings for her lab partner, Aman.
From The Publisher:
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
Golden Kite Award Honor Book
Pura Belpré Award
National Book Award
Michael L. Printz Award
Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award!
Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth.
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers-especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about.
With Mami's determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school's slam poetry club, she doesn't know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can't stop thinking about performing her poems.
Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.
"Crackles with energy and snaps with authenticity and voice." -Justina Ireland, author of Dread Nation
"An incredibly potent debut." -Jason Reynolds, author of the National Book Award Finalist Ghost
"Acevedo has amplified the voices of girls en el barrio who are equal parts goddess, saint, warrior, and hero." -Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street
This young adult novel, a selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List, is an excellent choice for accelerated tween readers in grades 6 to 8.
Plus don't miss Elizabeth Acevedo's With the Fire on High and Clap When You Land!
Ratings (46)
Incredible (15) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (3) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (91):
Read It (48) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (27) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (12) |
6 comment(s)
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo was the very first POC book I ever read in school and let me just say, what a way to start!!
The cover alone caught my eye: a girl with an afro and the bold colours.
I knew I had to pick it up.
And I’m so glad I did.
This book is deep and made me feel very reflective.
As someone who already loves poetry. I was fully in my element.
The fact that it's written in verse made it feel so real and personal like Xiomara was speaking directly to me.
Every emotion, every frustration, every ounce of strength and self-discovery felt so honest and relatable.
It opened up not just my heart but also my bookshelf!!! (Ayyyyyy..🔥☀️💛)
Since then, I’ve been way more intentional about reading diverse voice and it all started with The Poet X.
This book isn’t just a good read,it’s an experience.
Honestly such a beautiful book, I'm telling you. I'm telling you!!!!!!!!!!
✨👉 Highly recommend if you love poetry and aren’t afraid to feel something real. 👈✨
I went into this without really knowing what to expect and maybe a bit hesitant. Poetry is not really my thing. I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the experience. I loved the atmosphere and characters, but especially the language and rhythm. Great read.
Listen to the audiobook. It was fast pased and powerfull, it feelt like a punch in the stomach when I heard about her mother. Not an easy listen but an important one.
****5.0****
This was an amazing-amazing audiobook. I just loved it.
No words.... :)
Happy Reading!!!
I had no idea I would like this style of writing and poetry so much. I've read/listened to a few poetry style books in the past and had a difficult time getting into them. I flew through this listen and will absolutely be looking into some of her other works.
I really enjoy books that have emotional elements to them and that encourage the readers to think about life, relationships, and expectations. Poet X does all of these things in a deeply compelling way.
What can you read after
The Poet X?
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