The Poet X

Winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award.

“A story that will slam the power of poetry and love back into your heart.” —Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Chains

The Poet X is the astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth.

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about.

With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.

Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.

“Crackles with energy and snaps with authenticity and voice.” —Justina Ireland, author of Dread Nation

“An incredibly potent debut.” —Jason Reynolds, author of the National Book Award Finalist Ghost

“Acevedo has amplified the voices of girls en el barrio who are equal parts goddess, saint, warrior, and hero.” —Ibi Zoboi, author of American Street

A Breathtaking Novel-in-Verse: Experience Xiomara’s world through fiery, unforgettable poems that capture the rhythm of her Harlem neighborhood and the turmoil in her own heart. A Powerful Mother-Daughter Story: Torn between her mother’s devout faith and her own need for self-expression, Xiomara must navigate a home where her developing thoughts and feelings are seen as sins. A Fierce Afro-Latina Heroine: Xiomara Batista is a fighter, learning to use the blazing power of poetry to claim her space in a world that isn’t always ready to listen. A Secret First Romance: When she falls for her classmate Aman, Xiomara discovers feelings she’s not allowed to have and a connection she can’t let go of, all kept hidden in the pages of her notebook.