I have a confession to make. Despite being an ELA teacher, I’m not a poetry super-fan. I know, I know. That probably sounds like blasphemy coming from someone who spends their days talking about literature. But here’s the thing – while traditional poetry has taken me a while to warm up to, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with verse novels.
There’s something special about the way verse novels tell a story – how they strip a narrative down to its most powerful words, how they use rhythm and white space to create emotion, how they make even the most reluctant readers feel like they can finish a book. Verse novels don’t just tell a story, they make you feel it. That’s why, in honor of National Poetry Month, I’m highlighting ten of my absolute favorite verse novels that belong in every secondary classroom library.
If you’ve ever had students who struggle with long paragraphs or feel overwhelmed by thick books, verse novels might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. They’re fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and incredibly accessible, making them the perfect bridge for students who say they “hate reading.” And for students who already love poetry? Verse novels take that love to a whole new level, blending poetic beauty with compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re brand new to the world of verse novels or already a fan, this list will introduce you to must-read titles that captivate students and spark meaningful discussions. Because at the end of the day, reading should be joyful, and verse novels have a magical way of making that happen.
1. Clap When You Land – Elizabeth Acevedo
When people put together book lists, they usually say, “This is in no particular order.” But let’s be honest, I have a clear favorite when it comes to verse novels. Elizabeth Acevedo is in a league of her own, and I have no problem putting her right at the top.
Her novel Clap When You Land is the book that made me fall head over heels for verse novels. The way she weaves language, emotion, and character depth into short, powerful lines is nothing short of breathtaking. Before I read it, I liked poetry well enough, but verse novels? They completely changed the way I saw storytelling.
Each summer, Camino Rios’ father flies to the Dominican Republic to visit her. Except this time instead of meeting her father at the airport, Camino arrives to see a crowd of grieving people. Meanwhile, NYC native Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office where she learns her father has died in a plane crash.
2. Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down is one of those verse novels that grabs you from the very first line and doesn’t let go. Written in sharp, haunting verse, it tells a powerful story about grief, choices, and the cycle of violence – all in just 60 intense seconds. What makes this verse novel so compelling is how Reynolds uses short, impactful lines to build tension and emotion, making every word feel necessary. It’s the kind of book that reluctant readers devour in one sitting, proving that verse novels aren’t just beautifully written – they’re incredibly accessible, too.
Will is 15 years old and has already lost so much. His father, friends, uncle, and recently, his brother. Armed and ready to follow the RULES, Will steps on the elevator. But as the elevator stops at each floor, Will is confronted with his past. Set in the span of one minute, readers will find themselves on a thought-provoking journey.
I have ten fresh ideas specifically for this novel here and also have a bundle of resources to help you bring this novel to life in your own classroom right here.
3. Starfish – Lisa Fipps
Lisa Fipps’ Starfish is one of those verse novels that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Through raw, lyrical verse, it tells the deeply personal story of Ellie, a girl learning to take up space in a world that constantly tries to shrink her. What makes this verse novel so powerful is how Fipps captures the emotional weight of bullying, self-acceptance, and finding your voice – all in a format that feels both intimate and accessible. The sparse, poetic style makes every word hit harder, drawing readers in and making them feel every moment alongside Ellie. Starfish is proof that verse novels can be both deeply moving and life-changing, especially for students who need to see themselves reflected in the books they read.
Ellie lives by the Fat Girl Rules. Things like “no making waves,” “avoid eating in public,” and “no body jiggles.” Her safe space is her swimming pool, where she can be weightless and take up as much room as she wants. It’s an escape from not only bullies but her critical mother. Luckily, Ellie has support in her dad, therapist, and a new neighbor – which may be all she needs to do away with the Fat Girl Rules. This novel is stunning and heartwarming and perfect for anyone who sometimes feels like they just don’t fit in.
4. Solo – Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander’s Solo is a stunning example of how verse novels can blend poetry, music, and storytelling into something unforgettable. This verse novel follows Blade, the son of a washed-up rock star, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with family, identity, and the power of music. What makes Solo stand out among other verse novels is its lyrical rhythm. Alexander weaves song lyrics and poetry seamlessly, making every page feel like it’s meant to be read aloud. Verse novels like this are perfect for engaging reluctant readers and music lovers, offering a fast-paced, emotionally rich experience that feels both personal and powerful.
The only thing Blade has in common with his washed-up rock star father is the love of music. But he’s part of a family that’s known for its “lost potential.” His girlfriend, Chapel, is forbidden to have a relationship with him. And he learns a long-held family secret – one that brings him to consider following a path to Ghana for answers and freedom. This verse novel is perfect for music-lovers and will tug at your heartstrings.
5. Punching the Air – Ibi Zoboi
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is a powerful reminder of why verse novels are such a transformative reading experience. This gripping verse novel tells the story of Amal, a talented artist and poet who is wrongfully incarcerated, capturing his pain, resilience, and fight for justice through beautifully crafted verse. What makes this verse novel stand out is the raw emotion packed into every line. The sparse yet lyrical style mirrors Amal’s struggle to hold onto his identity in an unjust system. Verse novels like this give students an intimate connection to characters, making complex themes of systemic racism, identity, and hope feel deeply personal.
Even in a “diverse” art school, Amal Shahid is seen as disruptive. Then he learns that the adage “boys will be boys” really only applies to his white peers. Arrested and in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Amal turns to his art for refuge.
6. Blood Water Paint – Joy McCullough
Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough is a breathtaking example of how verse novels can bring history to life with raw emotion and lyrical beauty. This novel-in-verse tells the powerful true story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a 17th-century painter who fought for her voice and her art in a world that tried to silence her. What makes this verse novel so compelling is the way McCullough blends poetry with historical fiction, using sparse yet vivid language to capture Artemisia’s strength, pain, and resilience.
After losing her mother at 12, Artemisia is given a choice: life as a nun, or life grinding pigment for her father’s paint. By 17, she was one of Rome’s most talented painters – though know one knew her name. Based on the true story of famed artist Aremisia Gentileschi, this novel focuses on a 1610 world where men took what they wanted from women.
7. Before the Ever After – Jacqueline Woodson
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson is a shining example of how verse novels can capture deep emotion and tell powerful stories with lyrical beauty. This heartfelt novel-in-verse follows ZJ, the son of a beloved football star, as he watches his father struggle with the devastating effects of repeated head injuries. What makes this verse novel so impactful is Woodson’s ability to convey complex emotions—love, loss, confusion, and hope—in short, poignant lines that resonate long after reading. Verse novels like this are perfect for sparking conversations about family, memory, and the unseen costs of fame, all while engaging students with a format that feels both accessible and deeply personal.
ZJ mourns watching his father disappear from his life. Not because he’s gone physically, but the years of football injuries over his career have changed his demeanor and taken his memory. This new reality leaves ZJ balancing traditions and “glory day” memories and with the worry of what the past actually means if his father can’t remember any of it.
8. Other Words for Home – Jasmine Warga
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga is a beautiful example of how verse novels can capture identity, belonging, and resilience with stunning simplicity. This novel-in-verse follows Jude, a young Syrian girl who leaves her home and family behind to start a new life in the United States. What makes this verse novel so powerful is the way Warga uses poetic language to reflect Jude’s journey – her fears, her hopes, and the way she navigates two worlds while finding her voice. Verse novels like this allow readers to step inside a character’s experience in a deeply personal way, making big themes like immigration, cultural identity, and finding home feel intimate and real. Other Words for Home is an unforgettable read that will inspire empathy, spark discussion, and remind students of the power of their own stories.
The only concept of America has been from movies, and none of them prepared Jude for life in the US. Leaving behind her brother and father in Syria, Jude travels with her mother to live with family in Cincinnati. Jude gropes with changes to her identity and unexpected surprises as she navigates her new home.
9. 500 Words or Less – Juleah del Rosario
500 Words or Less by Juleah del Rosario is a striking example of how verse novels can explore identity, pressure, and the weight of past mistakes with raw honesty. This novel-in-verse follows Nic, a high-achieving student who tries to redeem her reputation by writing flawless college essays for her classmates, but in the process, she begins to question who she really is. What makes this verse novel so compelling is how del Rosario’s sparse, lyrical writing mirrors Nic’s inner turmoil, making every word feel intentional and emotionally charged. Verse novels like this are perfect for engaging students in conversations about self-discovery, privilege, and the pressure to be perfect.
In an effort to avoid being labeled as “the cheater” during her senior year, Nic Chen decides to become a different kind of cheater. She begins writing admissions essays on behalf of her Ivy League-obsessed classmates. Thus begins an inner turmoil as Nic wonders what kind of person she really is.
10. Chlorine Sky – Mahogany L. Browne
Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Browne is a stunning example of how verse novels can capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of growing up, finding your voice, and learning when to let go. This novel-in-verse tells the story of Sky, a girl navigating the pain of losing a childhood friendship while stepping into her own strength. What makes this verse novel so powerful is Browne’s lyrical, rhythmic writing—each line feels like a heartbeat, pulsing with emotion and truth. Verse novels like this are perfect for engaging students who crave stories that feel real, personal, and deeply resonant.
A coming-of-age novel about coming out of former friendships in order to grow up. Based on her real-life experiences, Mahogany L. Browne’s debut YA novel focuses on broken promises, rumor mills, love and loss.
Verse Novels Activity Ideas
If you love the idea of introducing verse novels in your classroom but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got you covered! Verse novels are powerful, engaging, and accessible, but helping students analyze and respond to them in meaningful ways requires more than just discussion questions. That’s why I created Novels in Verse Choice Activities – a collection of creative, student-friendly activities that work with any verse novel and allow students to demonstrate their understanding in unique ways.
This resource gives students choice and flexibility, making it easy to differentiate and keep engagement high. Whether they’re rewriting a section of their novel in prose, crafting a blackout poem, recording a dramatic reading, or curating a character’s soundtrack, these activities encourage deeper thinking while celebrating the beauty of verse novels. Plus, with both digital and print options, you can seamlessly integrate them into your lesson plans whether for independent reading, literature circles, or full-class novel studies. Make sure you grab your copy right here!
Looking for more book recs?
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I know this list only scratches the surface. There are so many incredible verse novels out there that captivate readers and spark meaningful discussions. That’s where you come in! I’d love to hear from you! Which verse novels do you love and recommend for secondary students? Drop your suggestions in the comments below or tag me on Facebook and Instagram so we can keep the conversation going.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of verse novels or just starting to explore this powerful format, I hope this list helps you find new titles to share with your students. After all, reading should be joyful, and verse novels have a way of pulling even the most reluctant readers into stories they won’t forget.
Happy reading!
