The Poet X

Plot Summary: Xiomara has a lot she wants to say, but her zealously religious mother doesn’t want to hear her. So, Xiomara writes her thoughts as poems in a leather notebook her twin brother gave her. Her English teacher does notice her potential and invites Xiomara to join her school’s new slam poetry club. After realizing it’s her dream to perform, Xiomara skips Confirmation classes at the local Catholic church. She also starts seeing a boy, Aman, behind her mother’s back. These events intertwine to create an engaging narrative.

Author Background: Elizabeth Acevedo writes poetry, novels-in-verse, and is a National Poetry Slam Champion (Acevedo, n.d.). Like her character she is the daughter of Dominican parents. She started performing poetry in a New York City high school. She attended George Washington University before teaching high school English while performing slam poetry ("Elizabeth Acevedo," 2023).

Critical Evaluation: This book deserves all the accolades it has received. At first I wasn't sure how a book made up of poems could have a cohesive plot. However, it flowed even better than some prose I've read. Because Xiomara writes poetry the narrative voice felt very close to the character. Her thoughts weren't covered by overly fluffy exposition. This book is honest and true to Xiomara's story to the core (Good Reads, n.d.)

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Xiomara has a secret love for writing poetry. She also meets the boy of her dreams. How will she navigate these loves against the wishes of her overzealous mother?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: This book has some themes in it that may cause concern with some parents. The Catholic Church, and religion in general, is presented in a critical light. Sex, homosexuality, and alcohol consumption are all discussed. Xiomara's behavior, including skipping Confirmation classes and hanging out with Aman, may not be appreciated by parents. However, teens deserve to see themselves in books. Xiomara's character is relatable. Any behaviors that may be considered delinquent are done for good reasons that any teen can understand.

Reason for Inclusion: Teens want to be independent. This book shows a character being independent and standing up for what she believes in. The way the book was written was also a factor in inclusion. The novel-in-verse is a way to introduce teens to poetry while keeping their attention if they don't think Robert Frost is their cup of tea.

References

Acevedo, E. (n.d.). About. http://www.acevedowrites.com/about. 

Electric Monkey. (2019, October 13). Elizabeth Acevedo performs 'Name.' [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whLfYOo0VEo.

Elizabeth Acevedo. (2023, March 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Acevedo. 

Good Reads. (n.d.). The Poet X. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33294200-the-poet-x.     

TED-Ed. (2013, May 27). Become a slam poet in five steps- Gayle Danley. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f8VcV8v2LE. 

TEDx Talks. (2016, April 8). I use my poetry to confront the violence against women. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ0G1iCLzCA.