The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Published by HarperTeen on March 6th 2018
ISBN: 0062662805
Pages: 357
Goodreads

This is a compelling and emotional novel in verse about a teenaged girl from Harlem discovering herself through her writing and slam poetry. Xiomara copes with harassment, bullying, and the strictness of her upbringing with her fists, though she has so much to say to the pages of her leather-bound notebook. Xiomara struggles with her Catholic mother’s strict rules and fears of sexuality, and questions the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her twin brother and father are unavailable emotionally, which leaver Xiomara feeling isolated. When Xiomara begins to develop feelings for a boy in her class named Aman, she fears retribution from her mother, but decides to break rules anyway. Eventually she is found out, and Xiomara’s life seems to spin out of her control. Xiomara finally accepts a long outstanding invitation to join the school’s slam poetry club extended to her by her English teacher, and she finally begins to use the strength inside herself to solve her problems.

Beautiful poems tell Xiomara’s story, as she writes about many nuanced issues such as Latino culture, being a first-generation American, music, sexuality, and finding one’s voice. The ending is happy but messy, and will leave readers satisfied by the poignancy and realness of the story. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Reviewed by Cidney Mayes, Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland