Characters
This is the main character and narrator of The Poet X
Who is Xiomara Batista?
Xiomara struggles with this type of conflict, feeling torn between her mother’s expectations and her own dreams.
What is internal conflict?
The novel is written in this literary format.
What is verse (or poetry)?
The novel is set in this U.S. city.
What is New York City?
At the beginning of the novel, Xiomara receives this as an unwanted form of attention.
What is catcalling (or street harassment)?
Xiomara’s twin brother, known for being quiet and studious.
Who is Xavier (Twin)
This theme is reflected in Xiomara’s journey as she expresses herself through poetry.
What is self-identity or self-expression?
Instead of traditional chapters, the novel is divided into these.
What are poems?
Xiomara’s parents are from this country.
What is the Dominican Republic?
Xiomara hides this from her mother, knowing she wouldn’t approve.
What is her poetry notebook?
This character is a strict and religious figure in Xiomara’s life.
Who is Mami (Altagracia Batista)?
Mami wants Xiomara to focus on this, but Xiomara is unsure about her faith.
What is religion?
Xiomara uses this literary device when she compares herself to a fighter in one of her poems.
What is a metaphor?
This place is where Xiomara is expected to focus on faith and tradition.
What is the church?
Mami forces Xiomara to attend this religious class.
What is confirmation class?
The teacher who encourages Xiomara to join the poetry club.
Who is Ms. Galiano?
This societal issue affects how Xiomara is treated and how she sees herself.
What is sexism or body image?
The novel is written from this point of view.
What is first-person?
Xiomara’s school is located in this mini-borough
What is Harlem?
Xiomara and Aman bond over their shared love of this.
What is hip-hop/rap music?
This boy is Xiomara’s lab partner
Who is Aman?
The novel explores the idea that speaking up can be both dangerous and empowering.
What is silence vs. speaking up?
The author’s use of spacing, line breaks, and italics help to emphasize emotion and meaning.
What is poetic structure or formatting?
This cultural celebration is an important part of Xiomara’s background.
What is a quinceañera?
Instead of speaking her mind, Xiomara often does this when she’s upset.
What is writing poetry?