Elizabeth Acevedo was born and raised in New York City as the only daughter of Dominican immigrants, and she often includes her Dominican roots and love for New York in her writing. Her powerful novels and poems explore themes like gender, race, family, sexuality, and adolescence. The Poet X made her the first ever writer of color to receive the prestigious Carnegie medal, and it also won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the Golden Kite Award for Young Adult Fiction. This August, Elizabeth is set to release her first adult novel, Family Lore. Until then, here are eight book recommendations perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo.
My Heart Underwater by Laurel Fantauzzo
Corazon “Cory” Tagubio is drowning under the pressure of being a good daughter. She’s an outcast at school, she has a crush on her teacher, and her grades are less than perfect. When Cory’s crush on Ms. Holden turns into something more and the secret gets out, she’s sent to live with her relatives in Manila. These people are strangers to her, but as time goes on, Cory realizes how the country that wrote her past might just redefine her future.
You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz has always felt too black, too poor, and too awkward in her small, affluent, midwestern town. Her plan is to attend an elite college far away, play in their renowned orchestra, and become a doctor. But her dreams are crushed when her financial aid suddenly falls through. Determined to make her dreams come true, Liz enters the prom queen competition where the winner is granted scholarship money. As Liz navigates this unfamiliar world, she grows closer with the new girl, Mack, who is also running for prom queen. Can Liz follow her heart and her dreams?
On The Come Up by Angie Thomas
Bri dreams of being one of the greatest rappers of all time. She pours her anger and frustration into her first song which ends up going viral. But Bri quickly finds herself in the middle of a controversy and being portrayed as a menace by the media. With her mom out of a job and an eviction notice arriving, Bri decides to become exactly what the public has made her out to be. She doesn’t just want to make it anymore—she has to.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
Julia never took on the role of the perfect Mexican daughter. That was her sister’s expertise. But when Olga dies in a tragic accident, Julia is left to pick up the shattered pieces of her family. Her mother constantly points out how Julia is nothing like Olga, not realizing how broken Julia is too. But soon, Julia discovers that Olga was not as perfect as she appeared. With the help of her best friend and her first love, Julia is determined to discover who Olga really was and who she wants to be.
Calling My Name by Liara Tamani
Taja Brown is a young African-American girl living in Houston, Texas. This novel follows Taja from middle school to high school as she struggles with growing up, family expectations, self-discovery, and finding a purpose. This striking literary work truly captures the intricacies of discovering why and just how much you matter.
Pride by Ibi Zoboi
This Pride and Prejudice retelling follows Afro-Latina teenager Zuri Benitez as gentrification starts to take over her neighborhood. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, Ainsley and Darius. But her older sister starts to fall for Ainsley, and soon Zuri is forced to team up with Darius too. With her sisters pulling her in different directions, college applications looming on the horizon, and her neighborhood continuing to change, Zuri has to fight for her place.
When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez
Sarai is a first-generation Puerto Rican searching for answers in a confusing world. She and her sister navigate the effects of family trauma, toxic masculinity, and housing insecurity due to gentrification. Sarai questions society, her identity, and the life she wants to lead in this beautiful and moving debut novel.
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
Prince Jones is seventeen and giving out romantic advice on a popular hip-hop radio show. He dreams of being a DJ and finding love, but as the caretaker for his little brother and his sick mother, he doesn’t see that happening. Then enters Dani Ford. Dani is laser focused on finishing senior year strong, getting a scholarship, and moving to New York City to be an author. The only thing in her way is the college essay she can’t seem to finish writing. When Prince and Dani meet, the DJ falls head over heels, but Dani only gives him three dates to prove his worth. The expert on love will have to heed his own advice and possibly change their lives forever.
Leave A Comment