The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo follows 15-year-old Xiomara Batista from Harlem, who uses poetry to express emotions and thoughts she can't vocalize. Encouraged by her English teacher, Ms. Galiano, Xiomara joins a poetry club and competes in a citywide slam. Throughout her sophomore year, Xiomara grapples with her religious upbringing, body image, first love, and the struggle for independence from her strict, devout mother. The novel highlights her journey to self-discovery and asserting her identity through her creative expression. Sensitive topics include sexual harassment and religious conflict.

Elizabeth Acevedo's The Poet X receives widespread acclaim for its powerful verse, compelling storytelling, and authentic portrayal of a young Afro-Latina's struggles with identity and family expectations. While praised for its emotional depth and lyrical style, some critics feel its resolution is somewhat predictable. Overall, it’s a moving, thought-provoking read.

A reader who would enjoy The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is likely someone who appreciates coming-of-age stories told in vivid, lyrical verse. Similar readers might enjoy The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson for their exploration of identity, culture, and social issues through powerful narrative voices.

Emotional / Inspirational / Challenging / Romantic / Contemplative

- The Poet X won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2018, making Elizabeth Acevedo the first woman of color to receive this honor in this category.
- Elizabeth Acevedo used her own experiences as a spoken word artist to authentically capture the voice and rhythm of Xiomara, the protagonist of The Poet X.
- The Poet X was Acevedo's debut novel, and it quickly garnered critical acclaim for its powerful exploration of themes like identity, voice, and empowerment.

**Xiomara Batista**  
A 15-year-old girl living in Harlem with her parents and twin brother, who uses poetry to express her strong-minded and passionate nature amidst her struggles with family expectations and societal pressures.

**Xavier Batista**  
Xiomara’s twin brother, a peaceful and devout Catholic attending a school for gifted students, whose personal challenges create tension in his life and relationship with his family.

**Mami**  
Xiomara’s devoutly Catholic mother from the Dominican Republic, who holds high expectations for her children and often clashes with Xiomara over her strict parenting style.

**Papi**  
Xiomara’s emotionally distant father with a charming past, who shows occasional support for his children despite his general absence from their day-to-day lives.

**Father Sean**  
The head priest at Xiomara’s church who understands the challenges of youth, offering support to Xiomara and her family during periods of conflict.

**Aman**  
Xiomara’s biology lab partner and first boyfriend, a gentle and affectionate young man who admires Xiomara’s writing and supports her creativity.

**Caridad**  
A close friend to Xiomara and Xavier, who lives easily according to church rules and provides a calming influence and support for Xiomara.

**Isabelle**  
Xiomara’s friend from the poetry club, known for her straightforward nature and dynamic poetry performance style.

**Ms. Galiano**  
Xiomara’s perceptive and caring English teacher, who encourages her to explore and express herself through poetry.

**Elizabeth Acevedo**  
The author of the novel, drawing from her New York upbringing and Dominican heritage to weave a narrative rich in cultural and personal exploration.

Elizabeth Acevedo

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Overview

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “In the Beginning Was the Word”

Part 1 The Poet X Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “And the World Was Made Flesh”

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Part 3: “The Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness”

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Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

25 The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Quotes Explained

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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After Reading

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The Poet X

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