Characters
This fierce and thoughtful Dominican-American teen narrates The Poet X.
Who is Xiomara Batista?
Xiomara secretly joins this after-school group that changes her life.
What is the Poetry Club?
Xiomara's journey centers on finding this-her ability to speak for herself.
What is her voice?
This book Xiomara constantly writes in symbolizes her voice.
What is her notebook?
The entire story is written in this poetic form.
What is a novel?
Xiomara's twin brother, known for being quiet and studious.
Who is Xavier?
Mami finds this item of Xiomara's and reacts violently.
What is her poetry notebook?
A major theme illustrated through Mami's strict church rules and expectations.
What is religion or religious pressure?
This recurring religious symbol represents Mami's faith and Xiomara's internal struggle.
What is the rosary?
These short, powerful pieces are used to reveal Xiomara's inner thoughts.
What are poems?
This English teacher encourages Xiomara to express herself through poetry.
Who is Ms. Galiano?
Xiomara uses this art form to finally speak her truth publicly.
What is spoken word poetry?
The book explores how Xiomara's appearance causes people to make assumptions about her.
What is body image or objectification?
Poetry itself symbolizes this—a space where Xiomara can be fully herself.
What is freedom?
Xiomara often compares her fists to this, representing her toughness.
What are her “two little volcanoes”?
He is Xiomara's love interest and lab partner in biology class.
Who is Aman?
Because she isn’t allowed to join the Poetry Club, Xiomara and her friends come up with this strategy so she can still participate without her mother knowing.
What is saying she’s attending tutoring / confirmation classes to cover for going to Poetry Club?
The twin relationship highlights this theme: how two siblings can be different but connected.
What is identity or duality?
The church symbolizes both community and this opposite force that Xiomara feels.
What is restriction or oppression?
This device is used when Xiomara describes her feelings by comparing them to fire, storms, and heat.
What is a metaphor?
Xiomara's strict and deeply religious mother who clashes with her over freedom and faith. (What does Xiomara call her)
Who is Mami (Altagracia Batista)
This major event marks Xiomara reclaiming her voice after her notebook is destroyed.
What is performing at the poetry slam?
Xiomara learning to write and perform poetry represents this theme: expressing what has been hidden.
What is self-expression or liberation?
Xiomara often compares her clenched hands to “volcanoes,” and they symbolize this part of her personality.
What is her anger or strength?
When Xiomara's voice "shakes the air," Acevedo is using this poetic device.
What is imagery?