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Academy of American Poets. (n.d.). poets.org. Retrieved July 3, 2024 from
https://poets.org/glossary/verse-novel
Alexander, Kwame. (2014). The crossover. Clarion Books.
This “teacher’s pick” is a Newbery Award winning verse novel by author Kwame Alexander, and is the first installment in a 2-book series. Fans of sport and music will find themselves rooting for 12-year-old protagonist Josh Bell, a basketball player and aspiring rap musician. Middle grade readers will be moved by the emotion and experiences – even the traumatic ones – that the main characters will face. This is a popular middle grade title and a fantastic introduction to the world of verse novels.
Amazon Audible. (2017-2024). An interview with Jason Reynolds. Audible.
https://www.audible.com/ep/jason-reynolds
This is an interview between Audible (Amazon) and award-winning author, Jason Reynolds. Highlights include Reynolds’ commentary about his powerful storytelling voice, characters, motivation for writing, and awards received. The readability of the text feels accessible for young adult readers/students. Reynolds comments on his mature themes of violence and trauma, which feels honest and genuine, particularly to an audience of young people. He reminds readers that diversity in literature can contribute to a culture of empathy.
Bokelman, M. (2018). "As slippery and tricky as a wild inky word": Margarita Engle's the
wild book and the advantages of verse novels for children with dyslexia. The Lion and the Unicorn, 42(2).198-217. https://muse-jhu-edu.libproxy.albany.edu/article/712284/pdf
Middle School Librarian Maggie Bokelman discusses the accessibility of verse novels for students with learning disabilities, and focuses specifically on Margarita Engle’s title as it pertains to students with dyslexia. Uniquely, the narrator of the book itself is also a reader who experiences difficulty. Patience and mindfulness are notable themes as Engle encourages “struggling readers” to re-identify themselves as “careful readers.” This article will prove useful to educators as it examines a specific population of readers and encourages a universal experience for students that is inclusive and representative of all learners through the vehicle of Engle’s title.
Broaddus, M. (2022). Stanza and deliver: children’s novels in verse. Publishers Weekly,
This article is essentially a conversation with authors and editors of verse novels, and examines the power that this format carries when examining intense emotions, themes of identity and difference, and the ability to “reframe forgotten or submerged histories through the language of poetry.” The physical layout of a verse novel (more white space and less words on the page) are a comfort to readers as they work to analyze and process complex ideas at a pace that is individualized and not rushed. Another specific benefit of this article is the inclusion of a number of titles/authors; this list can be utilized to plan lessons and match readers with potential “best fit” titles.
Cole, O.A. (2025). Ariel crashes a train. Ember.
This is a haunting young adult novel that explores the main character’s experience navigating OCD and intrusive thoughts. With a poignant focus on mental health, this novel comes with a trigger warning because of its sensitive themes. Characters are representative of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite sensitive and often heartbreaking moments, this stunning novel celebrates the power of a supportive community and the value of this community on the journey to self-discovery.
Dehart, J.D., Rigell, A., Banack, A., & Songey, C. (2022). Verse novels as transitional
and identity-forming spaces for young adolescents. Voices from the Middle, 30(1).29-32.https://www.proquest.com/docview/2723859458/fulltextPDF/917322AACFB046F3PQ/1?accountid=14166&sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals
Published through NCTE, the National Council for Teachers of English, the authors present a comprehensive argument for the benefits and practical use of teaching verse novels to adolescent readers. The article emphasizes the advantages of verse novels for young readers, including shared experiences with characters, a renewed interest in the writing style resulting from a contemporary “social media poetry renaissance,” and the use of verse novels as mentor texts for student writing. The article focuses specifically on two titles in its discussion: Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson, and They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid's Poems, by David A. Bowles. Actionable strategies for implementation and connections to potential thematic units will prove beneficial for educators.
Dowdy, S. (2023, April 28). No extra words: the emotional punch of novels in verse.
Library of Congress Blogs.
https://blogs.loc.gov/families/2023/04/no-extra-words-the-emotional-punch-of-novels-in-verse/
Ebsco Connect. (2022, June 21). Searching with boolean operators. Ebsco Connect.
Freeman, M.E. (2021). Alone. Aladdin.
This middle grade verse novel is a #1 bestseller in Children’s Dystopian Fiction Books and a popular selection of middle school teachers/librarians. Twelve-year-old protagonist, Maddie, wakes up completely alone one morning: her town has been mysteriously abandoned and she, along with her books and her dog George, are the only ones left behind. Her challenges include natural disasters and looters, but more so the crushing loneliness she faces daily. Maddie’s fearlessness and grace will resonate with young readers.
Green, S. (2024). Song of freedom, song of dreams. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
This is a historical fiction young adult verse novel set in East Germany during the 1980’s in the volatile days and weeks leading up to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The protagonist is a young pianist navigating a duality of challenges: duty vs. integrity, family vs. friends. There are positive and heartwarming themes of hope and courage, along with a young adult romance. This novel is best suited for mature middle grade readers and upper high school readers (grades 10-12).
Hong, T. (2019, April 23). Diverse novels in verse for national poetry month. School
Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/diverse-novels-in-verse
In celebration of April as National Poetry Month, Hong curates a list of nine middle grade verse novels and seven young adult verse novels. The titles included are intentionally selected to amplify marginalized voices in both authorship and character experiences. Examples include Margarita Engles’ 2008 Pura Belpré-winning biography-in-verse, The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, Mariko Nagai’s Dust of Eden, which sheds light on the Japanese American internment during World War II, and Ellie Terry’s Forget Me Not, where the main character Callie navigates living with Tourette’s syndrome. This article provides an inclusive list to welcome new or seasoned adolescent readers to the world of verse novels.
Hopkins, E. (2013). Crank. Margaret K. McElderry Books.
This is a teacher’s pick and book 1 in a trilogy; Ellen Hopkins creates a powerful metaphor between addiction and “the monster” with which protagonist Kristina Snow – a gifted high school junior – enters into battle. This book includes mature themes and is suited for upper grade level readers, recommended grades 9-12. Despite the sensitive content, the lyricism of the writing will draw in readers. Because it is part of a series, readers will be encouraged to continue the story with the second and third installments, encouraging continued readership.
Kirkus Reviews. (2024). Novels in verse for children. Kirkus Reviews.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-lists/novels-verse-children/#kaleidoscope-eyes-2
Kirkus Reviews are respected and considered often by librarians when determining whether a title will be added into the library’s collection. This is an up-to-date list of fifteen verse novels organized into “children’s” or “teen and young adult.” A full review includes an image of the cover art, an in-depth summary of the story, and identifying information such as publication information, ISBN, categories, page count, and more. This is a useful tool for educators when considering building a classroom library inclusive of verse novels or recommending titles to students.
Lai, T. (2013). Inside out and back again. HarperCollins.
This is an award-winning refugee story: New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Award Winner, and winner of the National Book Award. The author’s own childhood experiences as refugee fleeing war-torn Vietnam lend a reverence to the plight of the main character, and will impact readers in a way that only real and genuine experiences and stories can do. There is an element of unexpected humor which lightens the heaviness of the story. This is a New York State 8th grade module novel and has been taught as part of the grade 8 ELA curriculum in many public schools across the state over recent years.
Larocca, R. (2023). Red, white, and whole. Quill Tree Books.
This is a Newbery Award winning novel, along with a myriad of other awards received, including an SLJ Best Book of the Year. The protagonist, Reha, is Indian–American, and is conflicted between her two worlds: the strict expectations and traditions of her home, and the school where she struggles to find her place. When her mother falls gravely ill, her priorities shift. Middle grade readers will connect to Reha’s plight of wanting to stand out and fit in all at once.
Macgregor, A. (2022, March 31). Verse novelists forge a unique connection with young
readers. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/verse-novelists-forge-a-unique-connection-with-young-readers
An article that emphasizes the powerful force of character as a vehicle for theme in the verse novel. Additionally, this article considers the impact of sound devices and language, celebrating the poetry alongside the narrative story. Uniquely, the perspective of an author drawn to write in this format is considered and discussed. There is also a distinctive thought process here that considers how readers interact with verse novels in a way that personalizes the experience and allows them to “fill in the blanks” along with the author, considering the experience as a collaborative endeavor.
NCTE Excellence in Children’s Poetry Award Committee. (2024, April 5). 22 works of
prized poetry: NCTE’s 2024 notable books of poetry and verse novels for kids. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/prized-poetry-nctes-2024-notable-books-of-poetry-and-verse-novels-for-kids
Written by the NCTE Excellence in Children’s Poetry Award Committee, this article recognizes 2024’s list of Notable Books (books were published in 2023). Criteria for recognition on this list include notability in language, poetic devices, and “application to children ages three to thirteen.” Secondary educators will find value in the titles and summaries included for all the works; the picture books can be used as introductions to the genre or as mentor texts coupled with more advanced works. Kids of all ages love picture books!
Peachtree Publishing Company Inc. (2022, April 29). First chapter read aloud—author
R.M. Romero reads The Ghosts of Rose Hill [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgvXg9p7F_Y
This video is an author read aloud for the book, The Ghosts of Rose Hill, and thus introduces viewers/potential readers to what a verse novel may “look and sound like” in the voice of the writer herself. The length of the video is approximately 2 minutes, which may reiterate to adolescent readers and educators alike the fast-paced nature of the verse novel. The poetry is both beautiful and haunting. Potential readers may feel intrigued to continue the story and learn more.
Reynolds, J. (2022). Long way down: the graphic novel. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy
Books.
This is the graphic novel version of Reynolds’ famous title, the award-winning novel that takes place over the course of 60 seconds as the protagonist decides whether he will seek revenge on his brother’s killer. This adaptation will appeal to fans of the original version as well as those who haven’t yet picked up the title. Graphic novels often make complex stories and themes accessible to a larger number of readers; this popular story may now reach a larger student group and encourage hesitant readers to explore the world of verse novels.
Riveted by Simon Teen Roundup. [Simon Teen]. (2021, April 13). Books written in verse
that you need to read asap [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf1APz7LcKg
This “book talk” video is content created for an audience of young adult viewers and potential readers. It is a fast-paced overview of six potential titles, providing “just enough but not too much” to hook readers into picking up one of the highlighted texts. Featured texts include diverse titles/authors, romance, and popular fiction. The graphics and visuals paired with the summaries serve to grab the attention of young readers.
Romero, R.M. (2022). The ghosts of rose hill. Peachtree Teen.
This young adult verse novel tells the story of Ilana Lopez, a biracial Jewish girl, who is sent to Prague to spend the summer with her aunt because her parents disapprove of her dreams to become a violinist. She discovers an overgrown Jewish cemetery behind her aunt’s home and begins to care for the abandoned gravestones. Here she meets Benjamin, a kind and handsome young boy. The catch: he is a ghost who died more than a century ago! This verse novel is a combination of mystery, historical fiction, magical realism, and romance.
Salazar, A. (2024). A seed in the sun. Dial Books.
This realistic fiction/historical fiction verse novel uses the extended metaphor of a seed sprouting and bursting into life to examine the journey of the young protagonist, Lula Viramontes, in all aspects of her life: her struggle to feel safe and seen/heard in her own family and the the plight of the Mexican farmworkers in Delano County, CA in the 1960’s, organized by Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez. It feels important to consider your student population and readers. If your student population knows this experience, or something similar firsthand, it can feel like a gut-punch; it’s an important and beautifully written story, but something to be cognizant of when encouraging readership. In her letter to the reader, author Aida Salazar reminds us of the endless possibility and impact we all carry within us.