Xiomara a misunderstood teenage girl from Harlem faces many challenges in her life and expresses herself through her love and passion for poetry. Xiomara finds herself caught up with boys and questioning her faith with her religion. The one thing that makes Xiomara feel like herself is something she has to hide from the outside world. Elizabeth Acevedo uses her words to tell Xiomara’s story while also addressing the double standards set against women in underlying messages throughout the novel. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book, I related really well to Xiomara because I also share a love and passion for poetry.