Citation: Acevedo, E. (2018). The poet X. HarperCollins.
Dear Reader, this book contains material related to emotional abuse, sexism, body shaming, homophobia, and sexism that some readers may find distressing. The author explores these themes in sensitive and survivor-centered ways, but the content of this work may nevertheless be emotionally challenging, so self-care is advised.
The winner of the 2018 Michael L. Printz Award, The Poet X is the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen from Harlem who is learning the power and freedom of her words, which have long been stifled by others’ expectations and rules. As she learns to take up the space she deserves, she finds support, love, and acceptance from unexpected places.
This book, told through verse, may make readers cry, fume, and/or cheer at times, but one thing’s for sure, this heroine’s voice is well worth hearing. Character-driven and fast paced, the author will suck readers into the story and leave them feeling heard for their own experiences and more powerful as a result. Readers may also enjoy Every Body Looking (Iloh, 2020), which similarly involves a teen girl challenging societal expectations and learning to express herself. Best suited to BIPOC readers aged 15-17, but a powerful perspective for all to experience.