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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

Uncover the Emotional Journey of Xiomara Batista in Elizabeth Acevedo's "The Poet X"

In the vibrant streets of Harlem, Elizabeth Acevedo's "The Poet X" weaves a tale of self-discovery, identity, and the power of words. Through the eyes of Xiomara Batista, a young Latina finding her voice amidst tradition and rebellion, Acevedo crafts a poignant exploration of adolescence, family, and self-expression.

Xiomara's passion for poetry becomes her refuge, a sanctuary where she pours her heart and soul into verses that capture the complexities of her life. As she navigates the challenges of growing up, torn between her family's expectations and her own desires, Xiomara finds solace in the written word. Her poems become windows into her soul, revealing her struggles with identity, her budding sexuality, and her unyielding determination to break free from the constraints that bind her.

"The Poet X" is a coming-of-age story that resonates with raw emotion and authenticity. Acevedo's lyrical prose dances across the pages, painting vivid pictures of Xiomara's world—the vibrant streets of Harlem, the warmth of her family's home, and the quiet sanctuary of her notebook. Her characters are richly drawn, each with their own distinct voice and personality, adding depth and texture to the narrative.

Immerse yourself in Xiomara's journey as she grapples with questions of identity, faith, and the meaning of love. Witness her transformation as she finds her voice, embraces her truth, and discovers the power of her own words to heal, inspire, and ignite change. "The Poet X" is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope can bloom through the power of self-expression.