The Poet X

Admirers of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will be enthralled with this fantastic novel-in-verse, published on the New York Times, written by an award-winning slam poet. It chronicles the narrative of an Afro-Latina heroine who uses forceful truth and fiery words to convey her story.

In her Harlem neighbourhood, Xiomara Batista feels ignored and unable to hide. She has learnt to let her fists and fierceness do the talking ever since her body began to take on curves.

However, Xiomara has a lot to say and writes all of her anger and passion on the pages of a leather notebook, repeating the words to herself as if they were prayers. This is particularly true once she develops love for Aman, a guy in her bio class who her family will never know about.

Xiomara realises it's better to keep her opinions to herself because of Mami's steadfast desire to have her daughter follow church rules. She doesn't sure how she would ever go to the slam poetry group at her school without her mum knowing, so she declines the invitation. She still finds herself thinking about reciting her poetry, however.

Xiomara is unwilling to remain mute in the face of a world that may not want to hear her.