Release Date: 6, March, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary
Rate: 5/5
SYNOPSIS
A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself.
So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself.
So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out, much less speak her words out loud. But still, she can’t stop thinking about performing her poems.
Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.
REVIEW
This powerful book revolves around Xiomara Batista. A girl with so much hidden inside of herself because of her society's pressure. She doesn't want to abide with the rules of her religion. Her life changes after she joins her school's slam poetry club. But will she be able to ever enjoy her life without any fear of her society or parents?
OH MY GOD GUYS!!!! This book is dirty emotional. I 75% of the time was relating with Xiomara although I am not Dominican or a Christian. How her mother was never really supportive of her poetry & how she abused her literally tore my heart apart. Her mother was forced to marry her father. Something that happens in my country alot. Xiomara's relationship with her brother was kinda cute. BUT MY MOST FAVOURITE PERSON WAS Cardidad. Her best-friend. As much as religious as Cardidad was, she was extremely nice with Xio at the same time. Xio's boyfriend Aman was another extremely nice & understanding character. Xiomara's teacher didn't let Xio's flame of poetry quench. She was with her all the time. It was so beautiful to see Xiomara's character growth. She becomes such a fearless & an amazing person & learns to fight everything.
Overall, I would highly recommend this beautiful diverse read by Acevedo. Trust me, you all are gonna love it!
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