# The Poet X

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2018 novel by Elizabeth Acevedo

***The Poet X***, published March 6, 2018 by [HarperTeen](/source/HarperTeen), is a [young adult novel](/source/Young_adult_fiction) by [Elizabeth Acevedo](/source/Elizabeth_Acevedo). Fifteen-year-old Xiomara, also known as "X" or "Xio," works through the tension and conflict in her family by writing poetry. *The Poet X* addresses themes of [patriarchy](/source/Patriarchy), [sexism](/source/Sexism), and [objectification](/source/Objectification) of young women through X's experiences.[1] The book, a [*New York Times* bestseller](/source/The_New_York_Times_Best_Seller_list),[2] was well received and won multiple awards at the [2019 Youth Media Awards](/source/2019_Youth_Media_Awards).

## Plot

Xiomara Batista is a fifteen-year-old [Dominican](/source/Dominican_Americans) teenager living in Harlem who loves to write poetry. Though she longs to share it with the world, her religious mother is only concerned with her being confirmed, which has been put off for three years. She feels inferior to her brother Xavier (affectionately called Twin), as he receives much praise for his work. During the school year, she develops a love for her lab partner, Aman. However, the relationship is broken when her mother sees them kissing on a train. Eventually, her mother finds her poetry, forcing a confrontation between the two.

## Banned Book Controversy

The Banned Book Project of Carnegie Mellon University identifies this book as banned.[3] In a Federal District Court case in North Carolina, parents asserted *The Poet X* was anti-Christian and violated their right to freedom of religion. The court dismissed the case, citing the widely-held judicial principle that education is not indoctrination.[4]

## Themes

Scholars have emphasized the important of visibility and voice in The Poet X. Rebecca Foote described Xiomara's development as becoming "unhide-able" highlights how poetry allows her to resist being silenced and assert her identity.[5] The novel also explores Afro-Latinidad and Dominican identity, particularly through Xiomara's experience with her religious mother and her community. As discussed in LatinoUSA, Acevedo's work centers "the complexities of Afro-Latinidad" and the importance of finding one's voice, as Xiomara did through poetry. [6]

## Style

The Poet X is written as a novel in verse, reflecting Acevedo's background in spoken word poetry. [7] The poetic form emphasized voice and emotional expression. As expressed in a review by The Poetry Society the novel showcases Acevedo's strength as a poet, using verse to convey Xiomara's internal thoughts and experiences as a young Afro-Latina woman. Critics also highlight how poetry functions as a tool for identity formation. Foote notes that Xiomara's writing allows her to claim visibility and express herself in ways that were forbidden for her. [8]

## Cultural Significance

The novel is significant for It's representation of Afro-Latina identity and Dominican culture in young adult literature. Acevedo's work highlights experiences often underrepresented in mainstream narratives. According to Latino USA, Acevedo's work centers voices that are often marginalized and highlights lived experiences of Afro-Latina women. As she also mentions in her other book "With the Fire on High" she makes the protagonist a pregnant high school senior from Harlem, because she wants her readers who are young Afro-latina women to be identified in her characters.[9] Through Xiomara's story the novel explores the intersection of race, gender, culture, and religious expectations, contributing to broader discussions about identity and what it means to be Dominican. [10]

## Reception and awards

*The Poet X* was well reviewed, receiving starred reviews from *[The Horn Book Magazine](/source/The_Horn_Book_Magazine)*,[11] *[Kirkus Reviews](/source/Kirkus_Reviews)*,[2] *[Publishers Weekly](/source/Publishers_Weekly),*[12] *[Shelf Awareness](/source/Shelf_Awareness)*,[13] and *[School Library Journal](/source/School_Library_Journal)*,[14] as well as positive reviews from *[Booklist](/source/Booklist),*[15] *[the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books](/source/The_Bulletin_of_the_Center_for_Children's_Books),*[16] and *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*.[17]

The audiobook received a starred review from *[Booklist](/source/Booklist).*[18] It was the fourth most ordered book at the [New York Public Library](/source/New_York_Public_Library) in 2018.[19]

In 2018, *Kirkus Reviews* named *The Poet X* one of the best young adult books of the year.[2]

Awards for The Poet X Year Award Result Ref. 2018 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction & Poetry Winner [20] Goodreads Choice Award for Poetry Nominee [21] Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature Finalist [2] Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature Winner [22] National Book Award for Young People's Literature Winner [23][2] New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) Book of the Year for Young Adult Winner [24] 2019 Amelia Bloomer List Top Ten [25] American Library Association's Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Top Ten [26][27] American Library Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults Top Ten [28] Association for Library Service to Children's Notable Children's Recordings Selection [29] Association for Library Service to Children's Notable Children's Books Selection [30] Carnegie Medal Winner [31] Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Finalist [32] Michael L. Printz Award Winner [33] Odyssey Award Honor Book [33] Pura Belpré Award Winner [33] Walter Dean Myers Award Winner [34] YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Top Ten [35] 2020 Lincoln Award Nominee [21] Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee [36]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [*THE POET X | Kirkus Reviews*](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-acevedo/the-poet-x/).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:2_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:2_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:2_2-4) ["The Poet X"](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-acevedo/the-poet-x/). *Kirkus Reviews*. December 21, 2017. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Elizabeth Acevedo, "The Poet X" – The Banned Books Project"](https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/elizabeth-acevedo-the-poet-x/). Retrieved 2024-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** NCAC (2020-11-16). ["North Carolina Lawsuit Challenges The Poet X Over Religious Viewpoint"](https://ncac.org/news/poet-x-lawsuit#:~:text=In%20their%20lawsuit,%20John%20and,the%20protagonist%20questions%20her%20Christian). *National Coalition Against Censorship*. Retrieved 2024-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Foote, Rebecca (2024-03-01). [""I Am Unhide-able": Conditions of Visibility in *The Poet X*"](https://doi.org/10.1093/melus/mlae011). *MELUS: Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States*. **49** (1): 28–52. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/melus/mlae011](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fmelus%2Fmlae011). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0163-755X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0163-755X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Aguirre, Caroline (May 28, 2019). ["Portrait Of: Elizabeth Acevedo"](https://www.latinousa.org/2019/05/28/elizabethacevedo/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Roddis, Eben. [""The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: A Review.""](https://ypn.poetrysociety.org.uk/features/the-poet-x-by-elizabeth-acevedo-a-review-by-eben-roddis/). {{[cite journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_journal)}}: Cite journal requires |journal= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#missing_periodical))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Foote, Rebecca (2024-03-01). [""I Am Unhide-able": Conditions of Visibility in *The Poet X*"](https://doi.org/10.1093/melus/mlae011). *MELUS: Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States*. **49** (1): 28–52. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/melus/mlae011](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fmelus%2Fmlae011). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0163-755X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0163-755X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Aguirre, Caroline. [""Portrait of: Elizabeth Acevedo" Latino USA(NPR)"](https://www.latinousa.org/2019/05/28/elizabethacevedo/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Foote, Rebecca (2024-03-01). [""I Am Unhide-able": Conditions of Visibility in *The Poet X*"](https://doi.org/10.1093/melus/mlae011). *MELUS: Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States*. **49** (1): 28–52. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/melus/mlae011](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fmelus%2Fmlae011). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0163-755X](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0163-755X).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Swan, Jennifer Hubert (2018-03-20). ["Review of The Poet X"](https://www.hbook.com/2018/03/choosing-books/review-of-the-week/review-poet-x/). *[The Horn Book Magazine](/source/The_Horn_Book_Magazine)*. Retrieved 2019-03-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Paquett, Ammi-Joan (2018-01-22). ["Children's Book Review: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. HarperTeen, $17.99 (368p) ISBN 978-0-06-266280-4"](https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-266280-4). *Publishers Weekly*. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Coulter, Emilie. ["Shelf Awareness for Readers for Tuesday, March 13, 2018"](https://www.shelf-awareness.com/readers-issue.html?issue=696). *Shelf Awareness*. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Farrell, Della (2018-03-15). ["The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo | SLJ Review"](http://www.slj.com/?detailStory=poet-x-elizabeth-acevedo-slj-review). *School Library Journal*. Retrieved 2019-03-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Bratt, Jessica Anne (November 1, 2017). ["The Poet X"](https://www.booklistonline.com/The-Poet-X-Elizabeth-Acevedo/pid=9103099). *Booklist*. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Kirkwood, Melanie (2018). ["The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo"](https://muse.jhu.edu/article/686742). *Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books*. **71** (7): 276. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1353/bcc.2018.0148](https://doi.org/10.1353%2Fbcc.2018.0148). [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1558-6766](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1558-6766).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [*The Poet X*](https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062662811). 7 April 2020. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-06-266281-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-06-266281-1). Retrieved 2021-10-29. {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: |website= ignored ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#periodical_ignored))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Booth, Heather (March 1, 2019). ["The Poet X"](https://www.booklistonline.com/The-Poet-X-/pid=9508377). *Booklist*. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Hu, Winnie (2019-03-02). ["How the N.Y. Public Library Fills Its Shelves (and Why Some Books Don't Make the Cut)"](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/nyregion/new-york-library-books.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). Retrieved 2019-03-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Book, Horn. ["2018 Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards acceptance speeches roundup"](https://www.hbook.com/story/2018-boston-globe-horn-book-awards-acceptance-speeches-roundup). *The Horn Book*. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_21-1) ["The Poet X"](https://www.goodreads.com/work/best_book/54024746-the-poet-x). *Goodreads*. Retrieved 2021-04-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["BookPrizes by Award - 2019"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220327164953/https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/bookprizes-award/). *Festival of Books*. Archived from [the original](https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/bookprizes-award/) on 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["National Book Awards: 2018 winners"](https://www.nationalbook.org/awards-prizes/national-book-awards-2018). *[National Book Foundation](/source/National_Book_Foundation)*. Retrieved 2020-08-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["NAIBA Book of the Year Awards"](https://www.naiba.com/page/BooksoftheYear). *New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association*. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["2019 Amelia Bloomer List"](https://www.ala.org/rt/srrt/2019-amelia-bloomer-list). *American Library Association*. 2019-02-01. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ALAM (2019-01-22). ["YALSA names 2019 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults"](http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2019/01/yalsa-names-2019-amazing-audiobooks-young-adults). *News and Press Center*. Retrieved 2021-04-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults: 2019"](https://www.booklistonline.com/Amazing-Audiobooks-for-Young-Adults/pid=9716852). *Booklist*. March 15, 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** NGILBERT (2019-02-19). ["2019 Top Ten Best Fiction"](http://www.ala.org/yalsa/2019-top-ten-best-fiction). *Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)*. Retrieved 2021-04-04.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Notable Children's Recordings: 2019"](https://www.booklistonline.com/Notable-Children-s-Recordings/pid=9716855). *Booklist*. March 15, 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Notable Children's Books: 2019"](https://www.booklistonline.com/Notable-Children-s-Books/pid=9716549). *Booklist*. March 15, 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Flood, Alison (18 June 2019). ["Carnegie medal goes to first writer of colour in its 83-year history"](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jun/18/carnegie-medal-first-writer-of-colour-elizabeth-acevedo-the-poet-x). *The Guardian*. Retrieved 2020-08-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["31st Annual Lammy Finalists"](https://lambdaliterary.org/2019/03/31st-annual-lammy-finalists/). *Lambda Literary*. 2019-03-07. Retrieved 2022-01-20.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_33-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_33-2) Morales, Macey (2019-01-28). ["American Library Association announces 2019 youth media award winners"](http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2019/01/american-library-association-announces-2019-youth-media-award-winners). *ALA News and Press Center*. Retrieved 2019-03-05.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["The Walter Awards > Past Winners and Honorees"](https://diversebooks.org/walter-awards-past/). *We Need Diverse Books*. 2021-01-22. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Top 10 Quick Picks: 2019"](https://www.booklistonline.com/Top-10-Quick-Picks/pid=9716849). *Booklist*. March 15, 2019. Retrieved 2021-10-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Announcing the 2019 RITBA Winner and the 2020 List! | Rhode Island Teen Book Award"](https://riteenbookaward.org/announcing-2019-ritba-winner-and-2020-list). *Rhode Island Teen Book Award*. Retrieved 2021-10-29.

Awards Preceded by Where the World Ends Carnegie Medal recipient 2019 Succeeded by Lark

v t e Michael L. Printz Award 2000: Myers – Monster 2001: Almond – Kit's Wilderness 2002: Na – A Step From Heaven 2003: Chambers – Postcards from No Man's Land 2004: Johnson – The First Part Last 2005: Rosoff – How I Live Now 2006: Green – Looking for Alaska 2007: Yang – American Born Chinese 2008: McCaughrean – The White Darkness 2009: Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road 2010: Bray – Going Bovine 2011: Bacigalupi – Ship Breaker 2012: Whaley – Where Things Come Back 2013: Lake – In Darkness 2014: Sedgwick – Midwinterblood 2015: Nelson – I'll Give You the Sun 2016: Ruby – Bone Gap 2017: Lewis, Aydin, and Powell – March: Book Three 2018: LaCour – We Are Okay 2019: Acevedo – The Poet X 2020: King – Dig 2021: Nayeri – Everything Sad Is Untrue 2022: Boulley – Firekeeper's Daughter 2023: Tahir – All My Rage 2024: King, Anderson, Charlton-Trujillo, Levithan, McCarthy, McLemore, Neri, Reynolds, Ribay, and Sanchez – The Collectors: Stories 2025: Teer, Julia – Brownstone

Authority control databases International VIAF National United States

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Poet X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poet_X) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poet_X?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.