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  • Elizabeth Acevedo
  • March 17, 2026
April 16, 2026

The Poet X

5.0
Elizabeth Acevedo
3h 30 minutes
In three words: raw, reflective, beautiful
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ABOUT:
Xiomara Batista is navigating a lot. Her first relationship, her connection to her twin, her mother’s religious convictions, and the way the world has suddenly begun to see her as an object rather than a person. Through her newfound love of poetry, she begins to explore these feelings and more.

MY THOUGHTS:
My first novel in verse and certainly won’t be my last!

Xiomara’s voice is refreshing, honest, and a fascinating look inside the teenage mind.

There is so much to touch on, but I particularly enjoyed the parts where she questioned the strict nature of her parents’ religion.

I grew up Catholic (school/church), but in a much more affirming way. I loved seeing this new perspective.

AUDIO:
Read by the author, her pronunciation and cadence made this an all consuming experience, and I highly recommend it on audio.

SIMILAR BOOKS:
For more YA Catholic guilt, read The Lesbian’s Guide to Catholic School

SHOULD YOU READ:
Absolutely recommend this to everyone. I also think it would be particularly powerful for high school teachers and teenage parents.

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