Elizabeth Acevedo Books

Raw, honest and extremely powerful. ‘The Poet X’ is a triumph of modern literature. This collection of slam poetry beautifully retells Xiomara’s poignant life story. The way her experiences are told in verse allows the reader to be quickly absorbed into her emotions, exposing some powerful truths about what is is like to grow up in a Harlem neighbourhood and sending the powerful message that we must speak up and refuse to stay silent.

Readers will learn about, and relate to, the struggles she has experienced throughout her childhood, with her race, a religious mother and the misogyny of men while she was growing up. This book, full of energy and powerfully told verse, covers some tough subject matter, but has an important message of survival and staying strong throughout life’s struggles.

A modern classic which pushes boundaries. A must-read for all young adults.