Winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award! Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems. Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent. “Crackles with energy and snaps with authenticity and voice.” —Justina Ireland, author of Dread Nation “An incredibly potent debut.” —Jason Reynolds, author of the National Book Award Finalist Ghost “Acevedo has amplified the voices of girls en el barrio who are equal parts goddess, saint, warrior, and hero.” —Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street This young adult novel, a selection of the Schomburg Center's Black Liberation Reading List, is an excellent choice for accelerated tween readers in grades 6 to 8. Plus don't miss Elizabeth Acevedo's With the Fire on High and Clap When You Land!
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About the author
Elizabeth Acevedo
Author
Elizabeth Acevedo is an American poet and author. In September 2022, the Poetry Foundation named her the year's Young People's Poet Laureate.
The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Books Like The Poet X
If you're looking for books similar to The Poet X, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Born a Crime
Trevor Noah
A memoir exploring identity, family, and survival in apartheid South Africa. While not fiction, it shares 'The Poet X's' themes of navigating complex cultural and personal challenges. The book offers a powerful narrative of resilience and self-discovery. Noah's storytelling captures the complexity of growing up between worlds.
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
A powerful novel about a young Black girl navigating racial injustice and finding her voice. Like 'The Poet X', it features a strong female protagonist confronting societal challenges and personal growth. The story explores themes of identity, resistance, and self-empowerment. It offers a compelling narrative about speaking truth to power and personal transformation.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
A memoir in verse about growing up Black in the 1960s and 1970s. Like 'The Poet X', it uses poetic form to explore personal identity and cultural experience. The book offers a powerful narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Woodson's writing captures the complexity of growing up and finding one's voice.
Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
A groundbreaking novel about a teenage girl finding her voice after a traumatic experience. Like 'The Poet X', it explores themes of personal empowerment and self-expression through a young woman's perspective. The protagonist uses art and internal reflection as a means of healing and reclaiming her narrative. The novel powerfully addresses issues of identity, trauma, and personal growth.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A beautiful coming-of-age story about two Mexican American teenagers exploring identity and friendship. The novel shares 'The Poet X's' themes of cultural identity and personal discovery. It delves into complex emotional landscapes and personal growth. The story offers a nuanced exploration of adolescence, sexuality, and self-understanding.
With the Fire on High
Elizabeth Acevedo
Another powerful novel by Acevedo exploring a young Afro-Latina's journey of self-discovery. The story follows Emoni Santiago, a teenage mother with culinary dreams navigating complex family dynamics and personal aspirations. Like 'The Poet X', it centers on a strong, creative young woman finding her voice and pursuing her passions despite challenging circumstances. The novel beautifully captures the resilience and potential of young women of color.
Clap When You Land
Elizabeth Acevedo
Another novel-in-verse by Acevedo exploring complex family dynamics and cultural identity. The story follows two sisters discovering each other after their father's death, dealing with themes of loss, identity, and sisterhood. Similar to 'The Poet X', it features powerful female characters navigating challenging personal experiences. The novel showcases Acevedo's signature poetic style and emotional depth.
Long Way Down
Jason Reynolds
A novel-in-verse exploring cycles of violence and personal choice. Similar to 'The Poet X', it uses poetic form to tell a powerful story of personal transformation. The narrative follows a young man's internal journey during a pivotal moment. It offers a profound exploration of trauma, choice, and potential.
Ghost
Jason Reynolds
A powerful novel about a young African American boy finding his identity through running and overcoming personal challenges. The story resonates with 'The Poet X' in its exploration of a young person discovering their strength and potential. It deals with themes of self-expression, personal growth, and breaking through societal limitations. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery mirrors the emotional depth found in Acevedo's work.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Erika L. Sánchez
A novel about a young Mexican American woman navigating family expectations and personal dreams. Like 'The Poet X', it explores themes of cultural identity and personal rebellion. The protagonist confronts familial and societal pressures while seeking her own path. The story offers a powerful narrative of self-discovery and empowerment.
Pride
Ibi Zoboi
A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice featuring a Haitian American protagonist. Like 'The Poet X', it explores themes of cultural identity and personal growth. The novel offers a fresh perspective on love, family, and self-discovery. It captures the complexity of navigating cultural expectations and personal desires.
American Street
Ibi Zoboi
A compelling coming-of-age story about a Haitian immigrant teenager in Detroit struggling with cultural identity and family expectations. The novel explores themes of resilience, cultural adaptation, and personal empowerment similar to 'The Poet X'. It features a strong female protagonist navigating complex family dynamics and personal challenges. The narrative blends realistic fiction with elements of magical realism, offering a powerful exploration of immigrant experiences.
American Panda
Gloria Chao
A novel about a young Taiwanese American woman navigating cultural expectations and personal dreams. Similar to 'The Poet X', it explores themes of family pressure and personal identity. The protagonist seeks to balance cultural traditions with personal aspirations. The story offers a nuanced exploration of cultural identity and self-discovery.
Dread Nation
Justina Ireland
A unique historical fiction novel featuring a strong Black female protagonist fighting against societal constraints. The story blends historical elements with speculative fiction, exploring themes of resistance and personal agency. Like 'The Poet X', it centers on a young woman finding her strength and challenging societal expectations. The novel offers a powerful narrative of empowerment and resilience.
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