Novels in verse are one of the best ways to get kids back into reading, hooked on reading, or even reading aloud. They’re not a new genre, but they’re suddenly very popular. Last year, my students asked me to set aside all the novels in verse in our classroom library so they could find them easily! Kids reread them and can’t wait to pass them on to their classmates.
Part of the magic is that novels in verse aren’t full pages of writing. They’re told in short, poem-like lines, and while the poetry can be deep at times, the white space on the page makes the story move quickly and feel less overwhelming.
Which title are you starting with?
These ones are a little more mature and gripping, so they’re perfect for grade 6 and up. But they’re not just for older kids. Mature younger readers can love them too!
Novels in Verse for Grade 6+
What About Will by Ellen Hopkins
Ages 10+
Trace’s big brother Will used to be his hero, until a brain injury from football changes him, and Will starts hiding something even bigger. Trace is trying to hold it all together with baseball and the help of his friends. A heads-up for parents: this one deals with addiction, and it’s a powerful, honest way into a tough conversation.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Ages 8–12
Jude and her mom leave Syria for Cincinnati, and suddenly everything is new: the language, the school, even how people see her. A beautiful story about home, family and finding your voice. A Newbery Honor book that builds so much empathy.
Spark by Chris Baron
Ages 8–12
Finn loves the forest behind his town and keeps a nature journal of everything in it, until a wildfire forces his family to evacuate. When his best friend’s trail camera may have caught how the fire started, the answer could lead somewhere Finn doesn’t want it to. Gripping, and so real for kids who worry about the world around them.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Ages 12+
Will’s brother has been shot, and Will knows the rules: don’t cry, don’t snitch, get revenge. Over one 60-second elevator ride, the people he’s lost step in, one floor at a time. Absolutely unputdownable, but it deals with gun violence, so it’s best for older readers.
And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps
Ages 10+
Joe’s mom keeps leaving, and life with his grandma gets harder and harder until it all comes crashing down. From the author of Starfish, this one is full of heart, hope and a dog you’ll love. A great book for talking about kindness and what it’s like when a family is struggling.
Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt
Ages 10+
During World War II, German prisoners of war are sent to work on Claire’s family’s apple orchard in Michigan, and one of them is a young soldier named Karl. Told from both of their points of view and based on a true story, it shows that the ‘enemy’ isn’t always who you think. Perfect for kids who love historical fiction.
Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood
Ages 10+
In 1940, thirteen-year-old Ken is sent away from England to escape the war, until his ship is torpedoed in the middle of the ocean. He ends up on a lifeboat with five other boys for eight days. Based on a true story, and it will have kids holding their breath!
Want more? Browse all my novels in verse picks.
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