April is Poetry Month. THE POET X is the perfect choice to celebrate the power of words and poetry. Debut author Elizabeth Acevedo is now on my watch list. I can't wait to see what she gives to her readers next.
Xiomara "Xio" is the daughter of Dominican immigrants. She and her twin brother are often referred to as miracle children since their parents are older than most of their peers' parents. Actually, Xaiver who Xio calls Twin is the true miracle. Born first, his delivery was easy and uneventful in comparison to Xio's breech entry into the world. Her mother often comments that she should have known that her daughter would prove to be a challenge.
Xio learns quickly she would need to protect herself, with her fists if necessary. She is tall and curvy and her woman's body attracts many unwelcome advances from boys and men. Her overprotective mother sees religion as the answer to protecting her Xio. Church several times a week as well as first communion classes are Xio's mother's idea of the proper activity for a high school girl.
Fortunately, Xio has her best friend Caridad to help convince her parents that something like an occasional movie outing is safe for teenage girls. Twin's gift of a leather covered journal also provides relief for Xio. The poetry she spends hours penning lets her express herself and her frustrations. When she meets Aman, she is also able to record the new and exciting thoughts and feelings that come with young love.
Encouragement from Ms.Galiano, her English teacher, helps give Xio the confidence to deal with pressure from her mother as she learns the power of words in shaping who she hopes to become.
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