Always in the Room: Elizabeth Acevedo on Ancestors, Neighbors, and Secret Mentors

“I cannot do an interview without talking about who I come from as it pertains to the writers who have influenced my work because their fingerprints are all over [it].” - Elizabeth Acevedo

In an interview, we may hear Elizabeth Acevedo's singular voice, but she assures us she is not alone. Elizabeth reminds us that she is part of a lineage and an amalgamation of many voices. She, like all of us, represents those who came before her, those whose books she devours, those who have shaped her life, and those who inspire her. A Greek chorus, if you will. 

In fact, when I asked Elizabeth about her personal journey, she called on her community and family at every phase—the community that raised her and continues to nurture her. Elizabeth credits everyone, from the neighborhood boys who encouraged her to spit bars at the local corner store to the teacher-mentors, with being essential to her rise as a critically acclaimed author and international slam poet star.

Elizabeth Acevedo is a beloved poet and author, celebrated for winning prestigious honors like the National Book Award, the Prinz Medal, and the Pura Belpré Award. She also held the title of Young People's Poet Laureate. And on a personal note, she is one of my all-time favorite authors. Elizabeth is renowned for her young adult novels, including "The Poet X," "Clap When You Land," and "With The Fire on High," along with her recent adult novel, "Family Lore." Her writing vividly explores her Afro-Latina heritage, delving into themes of identity, family, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

In this episode, we discuss Elizabeth's secret mentors (and mentees), and some of the spurns she has encountered within the literary community. She reminisces about Friday nights in her apartment building, reflects on the importance of names, and ruminates about what her future may hold. She even shares her original rap name!

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True to her poetry roots, in her reading challenge, "Novels Through Poems" Elizabeth has compiled a list of books that are just that tell stories through poetry. Learn more and download Elizabeth's recommended reading list at thereadingculturepod.com/elizabeth-acevedo.

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This episode's Featured Librarian is Tammy McIntyre. Tammy served as a library media specialist in Gwinnett County Georgia for many years and now works with us at Beanstack! She shares a memorable interaction with a student that continues to resonate with her, highlighting the vital role the library plays as a community space.

Show Chapters

Chapter 1 - Who Is Here 

Chapter 2 - It Takes a Village

Chapter 3 - The House on Mango Street

Chapter 4 - Paying it Forward

Chapter 5 - Novels Through Poems

Chapter 6 - Beanstack Featured Librarian 

Links

• The Reading Culture
• The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup
• Elizabeth Acevedo 
• Elizabeth Acevedo - "Hair"
• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros | Goodreads
• Gwinnett County Public Library
• Follow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)
• Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture
• Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Host: Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Producers: Jackie Lamport, Elena Guthrie, and Lower Street Media

Script Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey