Looking for a YA novel in verse to celebrate National Poetry Month?  Here are some of our suggestions!

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Every summer, Camino’s father visits her in the Dominican Republic.  Every summer, Yahaira’s father leaves New York.  Then, one day, both girls learn that their father has died in a plane crash–and that he had a second family they never knew about.  From their father’s deception can the girls find a new sister?

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Xiomara Batista lives in silence, fearing to let her family know her true thoughts.  They believe girls should act a certain way.  That girls need to be protected.  That girls have bodies that are wrong.  But Xiomara doesn’t believe in all of that.  And she has new feelings for a boy in her class.  Will Xiomara find a way to finally  let go and shout?

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Based on the true story of Clara Lemlich, this book tells the story of a young immigrant who inspired the women in New York’s garment factories to strike for better working conditions.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Fifteen-year-old Will begins the elevator ride down from his apartment so he can avenge the death of his brother Shawn.  In the elevator, however, a series of ghosts appear who reveal new aspects of Shawn’s life and death.  Will must decide.  Is he willing to give up his life to get back at Shawn’s killer?

White Rose by Kip Wilson

It’s WWII and Sophie Scholl is a college student who is determined to fight the Nazis.  But her work in the resistance group known as the White Rose might cost her her life.

Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff

To earn some extra cash, fourteen-year-old LaVaughn starts babysitting for a teen mother named Jolly.  Along the way, LaVaughn learns some important life lessons of her own.

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

Sixteen-year-old Amal Shahid is in prison for a crime he did not commit.  Now, all his dreams for the future seem to be fading away, along with his artistic inspiration.  How can Amal hold on to hope when the world seems so unfair?