The Voice Behind The Poet X
Elizabeth Acevedo has emerged as one of the most compelling literary voices of her generation.
Blending poetry and storytelling into works that resonate deeply with young readers and adults alike, Elizabeth is a celebrated poet and award-winning novelist. She has built a career centered on elevating underrepresented voices and exploring the complexities of identity, culture, and self-expression.
Elizabeth first captured widespread attention with her debut novel, The Poet X, a powerful coming-of-age story about Xiomara Batista, a young girl in Harlem who turns to slam poetry to navigate her strict religious upbringing and her evolving sense of self. Written in verse, the novel reflects Elizabeth’s roots as a spoken-word poet and is both intimate and electrifying.
The Poet X quickly became a literary sensation, earning numerous prestigious awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, and the Carnegie Medal. It has since been named a HarperCollins American Classic, an honor that speaks to its lasting impact. The American Classics Edition is set to be released on May 5 through Quill Tree Books, giving readers another reason to revisit (or finally pick up) this standout novel.
Following her remarkable debut, Elizabeth continued to captivate readers with With the Fire on High, a novel that explores themes of ambition, family, and the transformative power of food. The book was widely recognized as one of the best of the year by organizations such as the New York Public Library, NPR, and Publishers Weekly.
She then returned to verse with Clap When You Land, a novel that examines grief, family secrets, and sisterhood after a tragic plane crash. The book earned critical acclaim, becoming a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Book and a finalist for the Kirkus Prize.
Rooted in Poetry, Driven by Story
Beyond her writing, Elizabeth’s journey as a writer is just as impressive as her books.
She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. Her work as a poet has been equally distinguished: she is a National Poetry Slam Champion and has been a fellow of Cave Canem and Cantomundo, as well as a participant in the Callaloo Writer’s Workshops. These achievements highlight her deep connection to the spoken word and literary communities.
Today, Elizabeth lives in Washington, DC, with her family, continuing to inspire readers around the world. Through her writing, she reminds us that storytelling can be both powerful and deeply personal—and sometimes, even a little magical.
Meet Elizabeth Acevedo at the Hoopla Booth
Fans will have the opportunity to meet her in person at this year’s ALA conference in Chicago, where she will be signing autographs at the Hoopla booth on Saturday, June 27, from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.
