In The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo presents the readers with the life of Xiomara Batista–an African-Latina girl with an enormous passion for poetry. Following poems written from Xiomara’s point of view, we undergo the feeling of her being an outcast in high school, the culture and religious beliefs her family holds, the first relationship she has with a boy, and of course, her gain and struggles on the path of poetry. 

Xiomara grows up in a highly religious background with a faithful mother who “[goes] to Mass every single day” Acevedo 20). Hence, Xiomara must attend church and Confirmation classes, although she has mixed feelings about them. As she grows into a teenager, she becomes aware that her family and religion are instilling shame into her as she experiences physical changes. When Xiomara used tampons during her first period, her mother prayed for God to forgive her because “Good girls don’t wear tampons” (40). When her body develops curves, and men molest her, the Scripture tells her “to wait. To stop. To obey” (58). Furthermore, Xiomara suppresses her desires. She catches feelings for a boy named Aman in biology class, and while she is fascinated by the affection she experiences, Xiomara fears dating him because she “can’t be seen on [her] block with boys” (143). 

Xiomara feels muted and strives to find a means of expression; in poetry, she discovers her talents. She has been writing poems in her notebook constantly, describing them as the clothing she “[dresses her] thoughts in” (43). Shortly after the start of the school year, the new Poetry Club on campus attracts Xiomara. However, she knows she will need to skip confirmation class to attend, and the consequence of that will be severe. Xiomara feels torn between pursuing her interest and following the rules her parents set for her until Xiomara performs at an Open-mic night, reading the poems Xiomara created to the crowd. The excitement she grips gives her power, and she ultimately joins the poetry club.

When reading this book, I believe readers will resonate with Xiomara deeply. Although we may have completely different backgrounds and interests than her, the theme of discovering our passions applies to many of us. Reading The Poet X will surely endow you with inspiration if you are struggling with your desires or feel indeterminate in following your dreams.