The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

1. Bibliography:

Acevedo, Elizabeth. The Poet X. Harper Teen. New York: 2018. ISBN: 9780062662804

2. Plot Summary:

An angry teenage girl, Xiomara finds relief in writing in her journal and participating slam poetry. At first she must hide this from her Mami and Papi they simply would not understand. Writing gives her the release through the hardships and how to deal with school, love, growing body, parents, and religion.

3. Characters:

Xiomara is known as X, is a quiet teen trying to deal with life. Her behavior is consistent with the teenage girl; liking boys and questioning things she may not fully understand. She does not know her own worth. Through poetry she finds herself, and learns to express what she feels.

Mami is a deeply religious person. She wants what is best for her children, but does play favoritism between the twins. Her behavior towards her children can be considered abusive and hateful. She is the antagonist towards X. She pushes her way of doing things and does not listen to what her daughter needs.

4. Setting:

The setting is in the heart of Harlem. The support is shown when most people are sitting outside on their steps in the summer time, or playing hoops at the basketball court. The school was described as one of the hardest and roughest schools around. The author does not portray that in the story.

5. Illustrations: There are no illustrations found in the book. Some of the writing is written in verses, and diagonal to represent strong feeling that the character is trying to get out, and to make a point.

6. Theme: Acceptance of one self is the theme that is hard for X to find. The author shows a brilliant way of finding this acceptance and being good with it. The author brings in supportive character like Mrs. Galiano that in her own way reflects the way the author supported her own classroom students.

7. Cultural Markers:

The author puts stereotypes strategically throughout the story. These stereotypes help form the characters demeanor. Weather it is her having to deal with boys and men sexually harassing her about her body, or X questioning her family’s strong faith. The description of the authentic diversity blend in and makes this story stronger. Evidence of this culture is shows facts that deep religious beliefs, and not acceptance other ways of living a life (Twin being homosexual) are profound. There are no source notes or author’s notes. A short about the author gives her credit to be qualified to write and connect with the story. Minority characters are show equal. At first they are not, but as the story unravels, and self-acceptance starts to take a stand they are equal. All non-English words are use appropriately and spelled correctly. When the author uses non-English words it show anger from that character. This book can stand on its own without the multicultural characters. Teenagers, and adults have felt this way at some point of their life about self-acceptance.

8. Connections Teacher and Library Corner:

Students will follow the writing process and create their own poem. Students may pick any form of poetry they would like to write. The focus is strong feelings. These could be upset, passionate, or even happy feelings. They will perform a slam poetry at their final project.

9. You Tube:

Sit down and listen to the development of the book Poet X with the author in this video.  

10. Review Excerpts:

“Themes as diverse as growing up first-generation American, LatinX culture, sizeism, music, burgeoning sexuality, and the power of the written and spoken word are all explored with nuance. Poignant and real, beautiful and intense.” Kirkus Reviews

“Debut novelist Acevedo’s free verse gives Xiomara’s coming-of-age story an undeniable pull, its emotionally charged bluntness reflecting her determination and strength. At its heart, this is a complex and sometimes painful exploration of love in its many forms, with Xiomara’s growing love for herself reigning supreme.” Publishers Weekly

“In nearly every poem, there is at least one universal truth about adolescence, family, gender, race, religion, or sexuality that will have readers either nodding in grateful acknowledgment or blinking away tears.” Horn Book

11. Children’s review:

“Good but inappropriate. It has lots of inappropriate stuff in there and should be rated for older kids.” Ialana

“It feels personal, and I treat it like a completed diary, on my worst days I read some parts if the book to feel understood, it’s reassurance that what teenagers feel is normal.” Aaniyah

12. Awards and Recognitions:

2019 Carnegie Medal

2019 National Book Award

2019 Michael Printz Award for excellence Young Adult Literature.

13. Book Suggestions by Elizabeth Acevedo

With the Fire on High ISBN: 9780062662835

Other books:

Internment by Samira Ahmed ISBN: 9780316522694

14. Official Website:

Check out more about Ms. Acevedo and what she has coming up next.

15. Rating:

I give this book 5 stars. This book is significant in different ways for young adults. The free verse writing style makes a stand to connect the reader on how the character feels.