The Poet X

LS 5663 Module 3 (2/3)

Bibliography: Acevedo, E. (2020). The Poet X. New York, USA: HarperCollins.

Summary:

The Poet X is a a collection of short poems weaved into a story of Xiomara Batista. In this book in verse, Xiomara is a sophomore in high school who lives in Harlem with her parents and her twin brother. Written in first person, the story is told of the struggles Xiomara faces growing up as a Dominican Republican daughter of a very religious mother and a womanizing father. The book follows Xiomara’s struggles with family, religion, first love and finding herself. When she is inspired by Ms. Galiano in poetry club, Xiomara finally feels seen and understood. She finds people who speak and understand her language of verse, and that changes everything.

Analysis:

The Poet X is a book my daughter has asked me to read since she fell in love with it a few years ago. We own a much loved, very highlighted copy of the book. However, since the author read this audiobook I decided to listen to it first. Elizabeth Acevedo’s passion in reading her words was a beautiful thing to listen to. Her inflection and tone often brought me to tears. I sobbed and laughed out loud. I was taken by her words and often had to pause the book to digest what I just heard.

When I skimmed the print version I was surprised at the presentation of some of the sections. Most poems are separated by bold titles and/or dates. However, intense moments, usually with her mother, the words dance on the page. Sometimes her words are written diagonally, sometimes in 2 word lines. This forces the reader to pause and focus on each phrase. It gives her words even more power.

Xiomara has a gift for writing and her English teacher Ms. Galiano assigns creative writing assignments throughout the book. Xiomara has prompts to write about such as; your most impactful day or when is the last time you felt free. Xiomara writes a vulnerable, self aware first draft that gives the reader so much insight into who she is. However, her final copy that she turns in, which is always accompanied with “what I actually write”, is a tamed watered down version of her draft. This reoccurring pattern is the theme of the book. A young girl torn between being true to herself (a rough draft) and being who she thinks people expect her to be (her turned in copy).

In the end, Xiomara finds the power and freedom of her words. Acevedo manages to connect poems to tell a story about the power of poetry. It is a brilliant book that so many people can connect with.

Activity:

Let the students listen to Elizabeth Acevedo reading her own words. Discuss if hearing her actual voice changed the message or meaning. Encourage the students read some of their poetry out loud.