Books Like...

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel powerfully written in verse, following the story of Xiomara, a young Dominican American girl from Harlem struggling with cultural, religious, and emotional conflicts. Xiomara finds solace in expressing herself through poetry as she navigates her teenage years, dealing with family expectations, first love, and finding her own voice. The book is written in a diary-like format, with each poem resembling an entry from Xiomara's point of view, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her words.

"With the Fire on High" by Elizabeth Acevedo follows the story of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior and young mother with a passion for cooking. The book delves into Emoni's struggles as she navigates motherhood, school, work, and relationships, all while trying to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. The writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and filled with realistic characters and honest growth, providing a glimpse into Emoni's world as she faces challenges and discovers her talents and opportunities.

'We Are Not Free' by Traci Chee is a powerful and emotional story set during World War II, focusing on the lives of Japanese American teenagers who were detained in internment camps. The book is narrated through the perspectives of 14 different characters, each sharing their unique experiences and struggles during this dark period in American history. The author skillfully weaves together the stories of these teens, portraying the discrimination, loss, resilience, and friendships that emerged in the face of injustice and hardship. Through authentic dialogue and vivid storytelling, the book sheds light on the brutal treatment and challenges faced by Japanese American families during the war, while also highlighting themes of racism, bigotry, protest, and the strength of community bonds.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the moving story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who are devastated when their father dies in a plane crash while traveling from New York City to the Dominican Republic. Unbeknownst to each other, they discover that they share the same father, who had two separate families. The book explores themes of love, family, grief, and secrets as the girls navigate through their loss and uncover the truth about their father's double life. Written in verse, the novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters as they come to terms with their new reality and find solace in each other's existence.

Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro follows Moss, a black, gay teen living in Oakland, California, who is dealing with intense anxiety attacks stemming from his father's murder by the police. The story unfolds at West Oakland High, where Moss and his friends face escalating police presence, random locker searches, and metal detectors, leading to a tragic event during a peaceful protest. The book delves into themes of police violence, activism, social injustice, and the struggles of teens of color, portraying a realistic and unflinching account of the devastating situation in Oakland. Oshiro's writing style is described as honest, open, and brutal, with fully fleshed out characters and diverse representation that provides models for organizing and activism.

'How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents' by Julia Alvarez is a novel that follows the story of four Dominican American sisters who emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. The book delves into their struggles of adjusting to American life while trying to preserve their Dominican tradition and heritage. The narrative is told through a series of interconnected short stories, moving in reverse chronological order, starting with the girls as adult women in the U.S. and going back to their childhood on the island. The book explores themes of family ties, cultural identity, and the challenges faced by immigrants.

The story is narrated from the perspectives of the four Garcia sisters, depicting their experiences growing up under the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic and adapting to life in the U.S. after their family is forced to flee. The novel captures the complexities of family dynamics, the struggles of maintaining cultural roots in a new environment, and the impact of political upheaval on individual lives. The writing style incorporates elements of humor, vivid descriptions, and a non-linear narrative structure that offers insights into the characters' memories and experiences.

'The Book of Unknown Americans' by Cristina Henriquez tells the story of Latin American immigrants living in the United States, specifically focusing on two families residing in a Delaware apartment building. The novel weaves together different perspectives and vignettes of immigrants from various countries, highlighting their struggles, hopes, sacrifices, and the complexities of adapting to a new culture. Through the characters like Alma, Arturo, Maribel, and Mayor, the book portrays themes of love, family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst challenges and discrimination.

The narrative captures the experiences of immigrants from Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries, shedding light on their reasons for coming to America, their difficulties in adjusting, and their aspirations for a better future. humanizes these unknown Americans, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the shared humanity and resilience of individuals navigating the complexities of immigration and cultural integration.

'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon follows the story of Natasha, an undocumented immigrant from Jamaica facing deportation, and Daniel, a Korean American poet. The book explores themes of fate, love, and immigration as the two characters cross paths in New York City on a pivotal day in their lives. Through a series of coincidences and interactions with other characters, Natasha and Daniel navigate their budding relationship while grappling with family expectations, cultural differences, and the uncertainty of their futures.