Elizabeth Acevedo is a highly acclaimed American author, best known for her work in young adult literature. She was born in New York City to Dominican parents and much of her work draws from her experiences growing up in a Spanish-speaking household. Acevedo is a National Poetry Slam Champion and often incorporates elements of poetry and verse into her prose.
Acevedo's debut novel, The Poet X, won numerous awards including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award. The book tells the story of a teenage girl in Harlem who finds her voice through slam poetry, and it resonated with both critics and readers alike for its powerful and authentic portrayal of the Latinx experience. Acevedo's second novel, With the Fire on High, was also met with critical acclaim and debuted on the New York Times bestseller list. Her latest novel, Clap When You Land, was published in 2020 and explores the themes of grief, family, and identity.
In addition to her work as an author, Acevedo is also a accomplished poet and performer. She has been a fellow of Cave Canem, Cantomundo, and a participant in the Callaloo Writer’s Workshops. Acevedo holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland. She currently resides in Washington, DC with her family.