The Poet X Review
The Poet X Elizabeth Acevedo
"Pero, tú no eres facíl" is a phrase Xiomara's mother uses to describe her. As Xiomara "X" Batista enters freshman year of high school she faces many of the struggles associated with coming of age, such as boys and a maturing body. An even bigger struggle is a newfound questioning of Christianity, the religion X has grown up with and is entangled all throughout her life. But just as her mother says, X is not easy. As a result the two frequently clash as a lifetime faith is questioned. Through the guidance of English teacher and poetry club advisor Ms. Galiano, Xiomara is able to use poetry as an outlet as she navigates her mother's temperament, first love, and everything in between .Through verse from Xiomara's point of view along with the occasional school assignment, readers watch as X navigates her first year of high school and grows more confident in herself and as a poet. Acevedo’s language and style in this novel is casual yet effective as readers will easily be able to connect and empathize with Xiomara. As the novel is set in a modern day setting, Acevedo incorporates many references to modern artists and technology in a way that is natural and helps to strengthen the characters and their situations. The layout of specific lines and structure of various poems add to the overall feeling and power of the messages conveyed throughout the novel. Readers from all backgrounds will likely be able to connect to the story in some way. While most of the narrative is focused on Xiomara’s blossoming first love with a boy from her class and her struggles with her mother, Acevedo incorporates various dynamics and relationships into the story. There is a strong emphasis put on the positive relationships that can form between students and teachers, as Ms. Galiano serves as a positive influence in X’s life by introducing her to the power of expression through poetry. Acevedo also slightly touches on LGBTQ relationships through Xiomara’s twin brother, Xavier, and his budding romance with a boy from school. While this story would be beneficial to all readers, it particularly would benefit those coming from an urban area and a background similar to that of Xiomara. Readers of this book could learn the power of writing and the positive effect it could have on one’s life.
BIBLIO: 2018, HarperTeen/HarperCollins Publishers, Ages 13 up, $14.99. REVIEWER: Jessica Hummel FORMAT: Young Adult ISBN: 978-0-0626-6280-4
