This essay discusses how the reading of verse novel The Poet X written by Elizabeth Acevedo could create opportunities to evoke empathic and emotional engagement by exploring the impact of shifts in our cultural landscape, along with experimentation of literary forms and the depiction of cultural experiences. The essay analyzes the text through the theoretical concepts of narrative empathy by Suzanne Keen.

Moreover, by analyzing narrative elements and themes that have the potential to evoke emotional engagement, empathy and perspective-taking among young readers, this essay aims to develop ideas about how reading fiction may influence empathy, and how the author’s intention and narrative strategies influence this process.

This essay suggests that the blend of cultural experiences and the verse novel form creates unique opportunities to develop empathic and emotional engagement with the text. Through its intimate and personal style, The Poet X successfully invites young readers to explore new perspectives, personal reflection and emotional expression.