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A review by lastingliterature
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My 3rd Elizabeth Acevedo book, and the best one yet!
Told in verse, the story centers on Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen living in a strict, Catholic household. Xiomara (X, Xio), like any teen, is questioning her self-image, her religion, and she stumbles upon slam poetry as a way to let out what she is thinking and feeling. As she makes some mistakes, her parents take more away from her, and X learns how much the words she writes can save her.
This is a stunning and powerful story, and it blew me away! I was immediately gripped by Xiomara’s story, and I could have easily read this in one sitting if I was able to. The questions X struggles with are ones we all can relate to at any age; her thoughts and words are vulnerable, heart-wrenching, and full of passion. This book is definitely one that will stick with me for a long time.
I haven’t read all too many books written in verse, but this one reads like true poetry. I flagged so many of the pages for close-reading to do with my students to do later on, and I have hopes of adding it to my curriculum next year!
If you are going to read one Elizabeth Acevedo book, let this one be it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TW: sexual harassment, abuse (verbal, emotional, a little physical), sexism, homophobia, slut-shaming