Don't dare to overlook this acclaimed audiobook, listen to it in the captivating voice of the author herself. It's a true masterpiece, hailed with an Odyssey Honor and an AudioFile Earphones Award. But the accolades don't stop there! Brace yourself, because The Poet X has also claimed the prestigious National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award. It's a literary force to be reckoned with.
Now, picture this, my friends. If you're a fan of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, or Jason Reynolds, prepare to be utterly smitten with this mind-blowing New York Times bestseller, written in the form of a novel-in-verse. It comes to you straight from the poetic prowess of an award-winning slam poet, Elizabeth Acevedo. Get ready to embark on a journey with an Afro-Latina heroine, Xiomara Batista, who bravely shares her story using words that ignite like flames and deliver the raw truth.
Xiomara, living in the heart of Harlem, battles with a suffocating feeling of being unheard and unseen. From the moment her body blossomed into curves, she discovered that her fists and fierceness became her means of expression. But deep within her, Xiomara holds a torrent of thoughts and desires longing to break free. In the sacred privacy of a leather-bound notebook, she breathes life into her frustrations and passions, reciting the words as if they were prayers. And, oh, when she falls head-over-heels for Aman, a boy in her biology class, she knows that their connection can never be revealed to her family.
Trapped by her mother's unwavering devotion to the church's laws, Xiomara realizes that her innermost musings are best kept under lock and key. So, when an invitation beckons her to join the slam poetry club at school, she grapples with the idea of participating without her mami ever finding out. Yet, like a siren's song, the call to share her verses haunts her every waking moment. Because let me tell you, my dear listeners, Xiomara refuses to remain silent in a world that might want nothing more than to silence her.
Prepare for a symphony of electrifying energy and a journey paved with breathtaking authenticity. Justina Ireland, the wonderful author of Dread Nation, raves that this audiobook crackles with energy and snaps with unrelenting voice. And let me not hold back on the praise—Jason Reynolds, the literary genius behind the National Book Award Finalist Ghost, declares this debut as an incredibly potent force. Elizabeth Acevedo has taken the voices of girls en el barrio and amplified them until they resound like goddesses, saints, warriors, and heroes. Ibi Zoboi, the brilliant author of American Street, praises Acevedo's ability to capture the essence of these vibrant characters in all their glory.
My dear listeners, do not think for a second that this audiobook is limited to a certain age group. It is a must-listen for any accelerated tween readers in grades 6 to 8, whether you're in the confines of a classroom or embracing the world of homeschooling. But wait! There's more to uncover from the marvelous mind of Elizabeth Acevedo. Make sure not to miss out on her other remarkable works, With the Fire on High and Clap When You Land! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
