Elizabeth Acevedo is a National Poetry Slam champion and New York Times bestselling author. She writes young adult novels, adult fiction, and poetry. This biography covers her early life, education, books, and awards.
Who Is Elizabeth Acevedo?
Elizabeth Acevedo is an American poet and author whose notable works include The Poet X, With the Fire on High, and Clap When You Land. She is a Dominican-American writer and a National Poetry Slam champion. She lives in Washington, D.C.
Where Did Elizabeth Acevedo Grow Up?
Elizabeth Acevedo was born and raised in Harlem, New York City, in a Dominican family. She spent summers visiting the Dominican Republic. Her parents’ memories of childhood and rural life shaped her sense of the past.
What Education Does Elizabeth Acevedo Have?
Elizabeth Acevedo holds a BA in Performing Arts from George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She graduated from George Washington University in 2010.
How Did Elizabeth Acevedo Begin Her Poetry Career?
Acevedo aspired to become a rapper until a literature teacher invited her to join an after-school poetry club. Her early career included several steps:
- Teach eighth grade
- Win the National Poetry Slam championship
- Join Cave Canem and Cantomundo as a fellow
- Attend the Callaloo Writer’s Workshops
Her poetry has appeared in Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, and Teen Vogue.
What Books Has Elizabeth Acevedo Written?
Acevedo has published 4 novels and several poetry collections. Table 1 lists her novels by publication year.
Table 1: Elizabeth Acevedo novels, publication years, and audiences
| Title | Year | Audience | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Poet X | 2018 | Young adult | Follows a Dominican-American teen who finds her voice through poetry |
| With the Fire on High | 2019 | Young adult | Named a best book of the year by the New York Public Library, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal |
| Clap When You Land | 2020 | Young adult | Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book and Kirkus finalist |
| Family Lore | 2023 | Adult | Published August 1, 2023 by Ecco Press |
Her poetry titles include Beastgirl and Other Origin Myths. Inheritance is a visual poem book that reflects on beauty, pain, family, and Afro-Dominican identity.
Family Lore is Acevedo’s first novel for adults and centers on 4 sisters named Matilde, Flor, Pastora, and Camila. It is a New York Times bestseller.
What Awards Has Elizabeth Acevedo Won?
The Poet X has won 6 major awards. Table 2 lists each award with its year.
Table 2: Awards won by The Poet X, by year
| Year | Award | Category or focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | National Book Award | Young People’s Literature |
| 2018 | Boston Globe-Horn Book Award | Children’s fiction |
| 2019 | Michael L. Printz Award | Excellence in young adult literature |
| 2019 | Pura Belpré Author Award | Portrayal of Latinx culture and experience |
| 2019 | Carnegie Medal | Children’s and young people’s writing |
| 2019 | Walter Dean Myers Award | Outstanding children’s literature |
She also received Audie Awards in 2020 and 2021.
What Themes Does Elizabeth Acevedo Write About?
Acevedo writes about 4 recurring themes: family, home, Blackness, and power. Her work also covers food, faith, migration, and grief. Family Lore portrays Afro-Dominican women as complex protagonists.
People Also Ask About Elizabeth Acevedo
What Is Elizabeth Acevedo Best Known For?
Elizabeth Acevedo is best known for The Poet X, which won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
Where Does Elizabeth Acevedo Live?
Elizabeth Acevedo lives in Washington, D.C.
What Is Elizabeth Acevedo’s Ethnic Background?
Elizabeth Acevedo is Dominican-American.
Which Universities Did Elizabeth Acevedo Attend?
Elizabeth Acevedo attended George Washington University and the University of Maryland.
What Is the Summary of Elizabeth Acevedo’s Biography?
Elizabeth Acevedo is a Dominican-American poet and author raised in Harlem. She studied at George Washington University and the University of Maryland and won the National Poetry Slam championship. She has published 4 novels, including The Poet X and Family Lore, and The Poet X has won 6 major awards.