Check out some of these outstanding novels in verse titles.
The following novels in verse for teens include both contemporary novels and historical fiction.
1. Glimpse
“What are you doing, Lizzie girl?” asks Hope when she finds her sister fingering the trigger of a shotgun. “Just thinking,” she says, “about leaving.” In a gripping story about family and secrets, Hope tries to uncover the reasons for her sister’s sudden depression. This sparse, free verse story by Carol Lynch Williams grabs the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final heartbreaking end. The publisher recommends this book for ages 14-18. (Simon and Schuster, 2010. ISBN: 9781416997306)More »
2. Crank
Kristina was an A+ student with a bright future until she met the monster. On a brief summer trip to visit her dad, Kristina meets a handsome young man who introduces her to crystal meth or “crank as it’s known on the streets. Addicted and altered, Kristina returns home where she tries to hide her addictions, but her life swerves out of control. Author Ellen Hopkins bases this cautionary tale about drug addiction on her daughter’s personal experience. Crank is a compelling read about a serious subject. The publisher recommends this book for ages 14-up. (Margaret K. McElderry, 2004. ISBN: 9780689865190)
Read my review of Crank.More »
3. Impulse
Aspen Springs is a place for the crazies. Or at least that’s what Vanessa, Tony, and Connor think. All three teens have attempted suicide and are getting treatment at the rehabilitation center to help them deal with the crises in their lives. What they discover is that through sharing their pain and forming friendships they become stronger. Author Ellen Hopkins is not afraid to explore and discuss hard and disturbingly real issues that affect some teens: cutting, depression, molestation, guilt, and sexual abuse. This fast paced novel in verse will keep readers turning the pages in hopes that each teen will seize their second chance at life. The publisher recommends Impulse for ages 14-up.(Margaret K. McElderry, 2008. ISBN: 9781416903574)
Read my review of Impulse.More »
4. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom
Focusing on Cuba's 30-year war against rule by the Spanish Empire, The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom, begins in 1886 with the beginnings of the slave rebellion. This novel in verse looks at the struggle for freedom from the viewpoints of five different characters, all but one of them are based on actual historical figures. Author Margarita Engle has won numerous awards for this work of historical fiction. The book was published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2008. The ISBN is 9780805086744.
Read my review of The Surrender Tree.More »
5. Because I am Furniture
Does anyone see me? Anke wonders if she’s become like the sofa in her front room- there, but hardly noticed. While her abusive father takes out his anger and frustration on her brother and sister, Anke is a silent observer whose fear and lack of self worth keep her silent. When Anke joins a sports team at school she begins to gain a confidence she’s never known. She is no longer a powerless bystander. This novel in verse by debut author Thalia Chaltas is a powerful book about overcoming fears and standing up for what’s right. The publisher recommends this book for ages 14-18. (Viking Children’s Books, 2009. ISBN: 9780670062980)More »
6. Becoming Billie Holiday
The world knows her as the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, but before that she was just Eleanora Fagan from Baltimore. Award winning poet Carole Boston Weatherford creates a fictional verse memoir of the renowned singer’s early years of struggle and poverty and how she used her passion and her voice to rise above it all. In a series of poems, Weatherford recreates a lesser known history of the singer’s colorful life. Becoming Billie Holiday is the winner of many awards, including the 2008 Coretta Scott King Honor Award. The publisher recommends this book for ages 14-18. (Wordsong, 2008. ISBN: 9781590785072)More »