Celebrate Poetry Month with Novels in Verse!

First of all, we have books of poems in every style imaginable—from fun and silly to creepy, romantic, and nature‑inspired. There are shelves full of poetry books to choose from! 

 

Then, we have novels in verse. What is a novel in verse? 

Definition and Characteristics of Verse Novels

Verse novels are a type of novel written entirely in poetry. They use verse to tell a story, often with a narrative structure, characters, and plot development. The poetry form allows authors to experiment with language, form, and style, creating a distinctive reading experience.

Some key characteristics of verse novels include:

• Written entirely in poetry
• Often uses non-linear narrative structures
• Emphasis on lyrical language and imagery
• Can be a powerful tool for conveying emotions and themes
• Often uses white space effectively to create a sense of pacing and tension

Novels in verse also move quickly and can be a great option for reluctant readers. 

Rise of Verse Novels in Young Adult Literature

 

Here are some samples of poetry books for everyone in our community! 

 

For Early Grades! 

Volumes of poetry: 

Falling Up by Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein, the New York Times bestselling author of The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Every Thing on It has created a poetry collection that is outrageously funny and deeply profound. (Goodreads)

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson

Here is a delightful look at childhood, written by master poet and storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. In this collection of sixty-six poems, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination. (Goodreads)

Won Ton and Chopstick a cat and dog tale told in Haiku, by Lee Wardlaw

A new puppy arrives, and nothing will be the same.
Told entirely in haiku and with plenty of catitude, the story of how Won Ton faces down the enemy is a fresh and funny twist on a familiar rivalry. (Goodreads) 

 

 

Novels in verse: 

 

Odder by Katherine Applegate

A heartwarming story of a lost baby sea otter, inspired by a true story.  

The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park

An award winning account of a classroom discussion in response to the teacher asking the class what they would save in the event of a housefire. 

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

A young student comes to love poetry while working on a school project about what various poems mean to him. 

 

For Middle Grades! 

 

 

Middle Grade Novels in Verse

 

Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt

Seventh-grader Selah Godfrey knows that to be 'normal' she has to keep her feelings tightly controlled when people are around, but after hitting a fellow student, she needs to figure out just what makes her different--and why that is ok. (Follett)

The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling

A year after the death of her mother in a restaurant shooting, Nora is left struggling to stay alive when a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong. (Follett)

Alone by Megan E. Freeman

When twelve-year-old Maddie hatches a scheme for a secret sleepover with her two best friends, she ends up waking up to a nightmare. She's alone--left behind in a town that has been mysteriously evacuated and abandoned. With no one to rely on, no power, and no working phone lines or internet access, Maddie slowly learns to survive on her own. (Amazon) 

One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

A Newbery Honor book, set in the 1870s, features a Black family that undertakes a perilous wagon journey westward for a tenuous shot at freedom in Nebraska. (Follett)

Louder Than Hunger by John Schu

This powerful book about a boy's struggle with anorexia is based on the author's experience. 

All the Blues in the Sky by Renee Watson

This brand new Newbery Medal winner is a tender and beautiful story of grief after a young girl's best friend dies suddenly. 

 

For Upper School! 

 

Volumes of Poetry for Upper School: 

 

All the Small Poems and Fourteen More by Valerie Worth

Delightful poems about nature. 

Devotions by Mary Oliver

Pulitzer prize winning poet, Mary Oliver, presents this collection spanning more than five decades of her literary career. 

Poems That Make Grown Men Cry edited by Anthony and Ben Holden

This is a unique collection of poems, presented by 100 internationally renowned men who describe how each poem moved them. We also have the companion volume: Poems that Make Grown Women Cry. :-)

 

Novels in verse: 

Loving Vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case by Patricia Hruby Powell.

This historical fiction novel is about the case that challenged laws against interracial marriage in the U.S. 

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.

Seven ghosts visit Will as he rides down an elevator on his way to avenge his brother's death from gang violence. 

Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo. 

An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. (Goodreads.) 

 

As always, you are welcome to stop in and see more of our wonderful books! 

 

Mrs. Tricia Fraser

tfraser@icsbudapest.org