Books matching: young adult novel in verse
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- #1
Save:Heartbreaking, beautifully written, and deeply moving - Acevedo delivers a poignant exploration of grief, family, and identity in verse. It’s a quick but unforgettable read that both poetry newcomers and aficionados will find rewarding.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the moving story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who are devastated when their father dies in a plane crash while traveling from New York City to the Dominican Republic. Unbeknownst to each other, they discover that they share the same father, who had two separate families. The book explores themes of love, family, grief, and secrets as the girls navigate through their loss and uncover the truth about their father's double life. Written in verse, the novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters as they come to terms with their new reality and find solace in each other's existence.
May 2020•436 pages - #2
Save:In just a few pages (or floors), 'Long Way Down' delivers a gut-punch of emotion and thought-provoking drama. Short, intense, and strikingly original - a must-read for fans of powerful YA or anyone ready to confront tough questions about violence and choice.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful novel written in verse, exploring the cycle of violence and revenge within inner-city communities. The story follows Will, a young man who embarks on an elevator ride armed with a gun, seeking to avenge the murder of his older brother Shawn. Throughout the elevator journey, Will encounters ghosts from his past, each representing a different aspect of his life and the consequences of following the rules of the street - no crying, no snitching, get revenge. The narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, and the impact of gun violence, presented in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
Reynolds' writing style, characterized by short, poignant verses, creates a fast-paced and impactful reading experience. The use of free verse allows for a raw and emotional exploration of Will's inner turmoil and the complex decisions he faces. Through the concise yet evocative language, Reynolds captures the intense emotions and struggles of the characters, inviting readers to reflect on the consequences of violence and the choices we make in the face of tragedy.
October 2017•320 pages - #3
Save:A moving, beautifully crafted novel-in-verse about identity, family, and the power of poetry - "The Poet X" is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wanted to shout their truth to the world.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel powerfully written in verse, following the story of Xiomara, a young Dominican American girl from Harlem struggling with cultural, religious, and emotional conflicts. Xiomara finds solace in expressing herself through poetry as she navigates her teenage years, dealing with family expectations, first love, and finding her own voice. The book is written in a diary-like format, with each poem resembling an entry from Xiomara's point of view, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her words.
When I turned twelve my twin brother saved up enough lunch money to get me something fancy: a notebook for our birthday. (I got him some steel knuckles so he could defend himself, but he used them to...March 2018•368 pages - #4
Save:A Time to Dance is an inspiring, beautifully written novel-in-verse about passion, loss, and finding your rhythm again - perfect for fans of character-driven YA and stories that celebrate resilience through art and identity.
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman tells the touching story of Veda, a young bharatanatyam dancer from India. After losing her leg in a car accident, Veda struggles to reclaim her passion for dance and navigate the challenges of her new life as a below-knee amputee. The narrative beautifully explores themes of loss, resilience, and the spiritual connection that dance brings. Throughout her journey, Veda learns to confront societal expectations, reconnect with her art, and find love, all while embodying courage and determination.
The writing style of the book is a lyrical blend of poetry and prose, making it a captivating read. The verse format allows for deep emotional expression, capturing Veda's thoughts and feelings with grace and beauty. Venkatraman skillfully weaves cultural elements and the significance of bharatanatyam into the storyline, enriching the narrative. Veda’s character development, relationships with her family, friends, and the romantic subplot are portrayed realistically, making the reader empathize with her journey. Overall, the writing evokes a sense of hope, spirituality, and the joy of reclaiming one’s passion in the face of adversity.
May 2014•333 pages - #5
Save:'We Are All So Good at Smiling' by Amber McBride is a captivating novel that follows the journey of two teens, Whimsy and Faerry, as they navigate their struggles with clinical depression and trauma. Through a metaphorical narrative filled with magical realism, the author beautifully explores themes of mental health, memory, and healing. The lyrical writing style, incorporation of folklore fairytales, and unique characters make this book a whimsical and reflective read that delves deep into the complexities of overcoming suffering and finding joy.
2022•306 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written, warm, and inspiring read - perfect for anyone craving a realistic, food-tinged, and ultimately uplifting story about finding your path, no matter where you start.
"With the Fire on High" by Elizabeth Acevedo follows the story of Emoni Santiago, a high school senior and young mother with a passion for cooking. The book delves into Emoni's struggles as she navigates motherhood, school, work, and relationships, all while trying to pursue her dream of becoming a chef. The writing style is described as vivid, engaging, and filled with realistic characters and honest growth, providing a glimpse into Emoni's world as she faces challenges and discovers her talents and opportunities.
She seems unfazed by my apology, probably because thing (1) I’m not braiding tight enough to actually hurt her (which is why her hair is all loosey-lopsided!), and thing (2) Babygirl is watching Moana...May 2019•403 pages - #7
Save:A haunting, beautifully written verse novel steeped in magic and history - perfect for fans of poetic prose and those craving a heartfelt coming-of-age ghost story.
The Ghosts of Rose Hill by R.M. Romero is a captivating novel in verse that weaves together themes of magic, history, and identity. The story follows Ilana, a biracial Jewish teenager sent to spend the summer with her aunt in Prague. As she explores her new surroundings, she discovers a hidden Jewish cemetery and befriends ghosts from the past, including a charming young man named Benjamin. The narrative beautifully blends Ilana's passion for music with her journey of self-discovery while confronting dark magic and her family's immigrant history.
May 2022•400 pages - #8
Save:A bold, poetic twist on a familiar slice of history - perfect for readers who appreciate literary innovation and nuanced takes on the past, but not a match for fans of traditional storytelling formats.
"Wicked Girls" by Stephanie Hemphill is a YA verse novel that retells the history of the Salem Witch Trials through the multiple viewpoints of the teenage accusers. The book delves into the power dynamics among teen girls and the consequences of their lies, showcasing the motivations behind the accusations and the impact on innocent lives. The poetry format of the book, while initially off-putting to some readers, is praised for capturing the essence of the story and making the historical fiction narrative more engaging and insightful.
The author, Stephanie Hemphill, presents a well-researched and detailed account of the Salem Witch Trials, shedding light on the time period and the complexities of the events. Through the voices of the girls involved, Hemphill navigates the themes of power, peer pressure, and the consequences of going along with the crowd, making the book a compelling and thought-provoking read for both young adult and adult audiences.
June 2010•423 pages - #9
Save:A fast, powerful read that's perfect for teens and poetry lovers - "Chlorine Sky" is a beautifully told story of friendship, self-love, and finding your voice.
Chlorine Sky is a novel in verse by Mahogany L. Browne that explores the life of a young Black girl named Skyy. She struggles with the ups and downs of friendship, particularly her toxic relationship with her best friend Lay Li. Skyy navigates issues like colorism, academic pressure, and her own self-worth, all while finding solace in basketball and her supportive mother. The verses poetically present her journey as she learns to assert herself and define her identity amidst the pressures from peers and family.
The writing style is both beautiful and accessible, filled with powerful emotions and relatable moments. It captures the essence of teenage struggles and the desire for self-acceptance. Browne's unique format allows for deep introspection and connection, with each poem flowing seamlessly into the next. This fast-paced read is perfect for teens seeking a relatable narrative that delves into complicated relationships and coming-of-age themes.
January 2021•169 pages - #10
Save:Louder Than Hunger by John Schu is a poignant novel in verse that follows Jake, a middle schooler grappling with anorexia nervosa, anxiety, and depression. His journey, which is based on the author’s experiences, explores the struggle against 'The Voice' that taunts him and diminishes his self-worth. As Jake navigates inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy, readers witness his bravery and the impact of support from family and friends. This story tackles difficult topics surrounding eating disorders while ultimately highlighting themes of hope, love, and resilience.
The writing style is captivating, with heartfelt poems and a unique layout that makes the reading experience engaging. The short bursts of text effectively convey Jake’s emotions, allowing readers to connect with his story on a deep level. Schu’s sensitive handling of triggering content ensures that while it addresses serious issues, it remains accessible and relatable. The inclusion of an author’s note and helpful resources at the end adds valuable support. Louder Than Hunger is a powerful tool for starting important conversations and encouraging understanding around mental health and the importance of kindness.
March 2024•499 pages
