CBR14 Bingo: Verse (the whole book is written as poems)
Xiomara and her brother Xavier (who Xiomara mostly refers to as Twin) are miracle babies, born late in life to their parents, who never believed they would have children. Growing up in Harlem, New York, they’re nevertheless part of the Dominican culture of their immigrant parents. Their mother is deeply religious and was possibly going to be a nun before she met their dad, whose wandering eye meant he got around plenty before marrying. While her mother goes to Mass every day, X doesn’t even think she believes in God, but obviously can’t say this to her mother. Her twin doesn’t argue with their mother, he’s the gentle one, which means X has been forced to become the fierce and protective one, making sure he isn’t hurt. Since he’s some kind of genius, they go to different schools now, though.
Obviously, even thinking about boys is completely forbidden, and for the most part, X isn’t interested anyway. Having matured early, she’s had to fend off catcalls and felt embarrassed about her body since early puberty. But then there’s her new lab partner. He’s different.
X lives for poetry, she writes it all down in a leather-bound journal given to her by her twin. She pours out all her dreams, fears, longing, and passion on the pages, making very sure to keep it hidden from her parents. Her new English teacher notices X’s affinity for poetry and verse and invites her to join the slam poetry club. But poetry club is on the same night as X’s confirmation classes, and there’s no way X’s mama is ever going to let her choose poetry over God.
Full review on my blog.