Xiomara is feeling unheard, she often “knuckles up” in order to defend herself or her brother. Her mother rather X is unseen and reprimands her for her blossoming body. Xiomara is unable to express how she feels to her Dominican family, especially her traditional & devout Catholic mami, her absent papi & her twin who is becoming increasingly quiet for reasons of his own. She finally finds her voice through verse.

This entire book is in her voice, raw and honest as she navigates her 10th grade year, her first boyfriend, questioning her religion, self-doubt, sexual harassment, and chastised by her mother. Xiomara’s story brings back memories from my teenage years. This book will hit many young adult readers in the feels especially young girls who need to know they are worthy and deserve happiness.

“She knew since she was little, the world would not sing her triumphs, but she took all of the stereotypes and put them in a chokehold until they breathed out the truth.”
Xiomara, The Poet X did this through what she knew best, through verse. The dialogue is sharp & impactful from start to finish.

Author Elizabeth Acevedo is a Dominican-American poet and I've heard her narration of this book is fantastic.