Verse novels are a breed of their own, which is why I’m highlighting 10 of my favorites to celebrate National Poetry Month in April. I have a confession to make – I’m actually not a poetry super-fan. That probably sounds so terrible coming from an ELA teacher. Shouldn’t we like everything? The older I get, the more I enjoy poetry, but I have fallen in absolute LOVE with verse novels.
1. Clap When You Land – Elizabeth Acevedo
Usually these lists are in “no particular order” but I adore Elizabeth Acevedo. She’s my favorite and I have no problems putting her in the number one spot. Clap When You Land is an absolutely stunning novel and is the one that really made me fall in love with the form.
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
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
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
The only thing Blade has in common with his washed-up rockstar 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 have engaging activities just for this purpose! They can be used with any verse novel and easily assess student learning.
Looking for more book recs?
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Which verse novels would you add to this list? Leave suggestions in the comments below or tag me on Facebook and Instagram!
Happy teaching!
