25 Amazing Middle Grade Novels in Verse (to Get Kids Reading)
This post may contain affiliate links.
Have your tween kids tried reading middle grade novels in verse; stories written in free-verse poetry? The text looks easy to read, which entices reluctant readers but dive deeper, and all readers will find compelling stories filled with heart, important themes, and precise language.
A middle-grade book in verse (or YA novel) is a hybrid narrative structure with a text format that readers love: poetry.
Why do readers love reading verse form novels?
Because verse books have a lot of white space, they’re faster than prose novels, and they’re impactful stories — where fewer words must convey the story and character arc.
What is a Novel in Verse?
What is a verse book? It’s a book with the narrative structure of a novel and the lyricism and white space of poetry.
Verse novels have the same structural elements as traditional prose novels with essential storytelling elements like setting, characters, theme, topic, chapters, and arc, but the bit difference is the text format. The text is stylistically more similar to poetry.
I first fell in love with novels written in verse when I was an elementary fifth-grade teacher reading Love That Dog by Sharon Creech and Out of the Dust by Karen Hess.
And guess what I discovered with these read alouds?
I realized that novels in verse aren’t just beautifully written poetry; they are ALSO highly appealing books in any genre (historical fiction, realistic fiction, memoir, etc.) for readers who haven’t yet developed a love of books or for readers who are English language learners.
For a child who isn’t the biggest fan of reading or learning English, reading verse books feels almost like cheating –the words are fewer, the story flows quickly, and it seems easier than a traditional narrative story.
But…that’s not all to love about a verse book.
While the well-written books in verse I’m sharing with you today may be a different kind of writing and a different kind of reading experience, they all resonate emotionally with relatable feelings and real-life experiences.
These books pack a big punch. And I love that there are no superfluous words. Each word is chosen with care.
Books written in verse are not just for reluctant readers but for all readers; I hope you’ll give one or more of these verse books a try. They are worth it.
The verse books on this list are all my favorites so share them with middle grade children that are in upper elementary grades and middle school. I’ve read them all and highly recommend them…as you’ll see with my opinionated reviews!
Amazing Middle Grade Novels in Verse
Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
REALISTIC
After facing relentless bullying, middle schooler Jake’s mean Voice is the loudest thing he hears. Soon, Jake trusts the Voice and listens to it when it tells him he needs to be thinner, he shouldn’t eat, he shouldn’t trust anyone, and nobody loves him. His anorexia gets so bad that he’s hospitalized for weeks and months. Jake doesn’t find an easy answer or a quick fix, but he does find a glimmer of hope that things could be different with his grandma’s last request to take care of her boy (Jake,) an actual friend from the hospital, art therapy, and the surprising glimpse of a world with other kids who also like poetry and drama like he does. A MUST-READ, brilliantly written book.
Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
BIOGRAPHY
Enthralling from the first page, this biography gives readers the perfect details to set the stage for the man that Cassius becomes, the boxer and the activist. His parents don’t encourage boxing, preferring academics, but Cassius is terrible at school. When he finds boxing, it becomes a powerful outlet not to mention, something at which he finally excels. The poetry is Alexander at his best — vivid figurative language with an ideal cadence and an accessible narrative. Readers will zip through this page-turning biography; it’s both informative and inviting. I could NOT put it down.
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
REALISTIC
This is a heartwarming story about a brave boy in a challenging situation. Timothy is under house arrest for the next year, living with a brother who needs constant medical care, and feeling big feelings about his life’s changes. Part of his year-long punishment is to meet with a probation officer, meet with a therapist, and write in a journal which is the book we’re reading. When his little brother gets assigned an abusive new nurse, Timothy feels like even if he gets thrown in juvie, he must do something drastic to help his brother. Written in poetic verse, this book speeds along and pulls your heartstrings.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
REALISTIC
One of my favorite middle-grade books EVER, this book brilliantly captures a young boy’s disinterest in writing poetry which gradually shifts with the help of an excellent teacher. Talk about character growth! Through his diary and poems, he reveals to us who he is. As the teacher shares mentor poems with her class, Jack wrestles with his thoughts about the poems. Then he uses the poems as inspiration for his own writing. I love Jack’s honest interactions with text as well as seeing him share parts of himself through writing.
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg and Matthew Cordell (ages 7 – 10)
REALISTIC
An easy chapter book good for 9- to 10-year-old readers, this is a lovely first verse book in a series. Eleanor is upset that her beloved, long-term babysitter is moving away, everything seems “like pickle juice on a cookie” — in other words, awful. Now she’ll have a new babysitter and a new school year but as hard as change is, it can bring growth and new things that are good.
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
REALISTIC
Heartbreaking and inspiring, this poignant story in verse shows a girl who learns, after years of fat-shaming and bullying, to define herself not based on what others say but on who she really is. Ellie loves swimming; it’s her safe escape, where she feels the most comfortable even though she’s bullied for her weight. Her worst bully is her mother–who won’t buy her new clothes because she thinks it encourages Ellie’s weight gain. Not even Ellie’s dad stands up to her mom’s cruel treatment. Fortunately, Ellie finds an understanding therapist who helps her move from powerless to powerful.
All of Me by Chris Baron
CONTEMPORARY / BODY IMAGE
Ari is bullied for being fat and Jewish. And he hates being fat so much that one day, he hurts himself. After that day, his mom helps him start a diet. It works to help him lose weight –but it doesn’t fix everything. As Ari grows into himself, he is supported by a kind rabbi who accepts him unconditionally, offering patience and wisdom. Soon, Ari realizes that he’s more than his weight. This is a moving and powerful story with heart and hope.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
REALISTIC
Basketball player and twin Josh narrates his life in quarters, just like the game he plays. He writes about missing his twin, Jordan, who is distant now that he has a girlfriend, about getting in trouble when he hits Jordan in the face with a basketball, and about watching his father as his father’s heart fails. This is an amazing coming-of-age, gripping story about a boy who is trying to figure out his life. Plus, this novel in verse will get your sports-loving boys reading! Winner of the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor.
Booked by Kwame Alexander
REALISTIC
I’m AMAZED at how skillfully Alexander writes about the teenage human condition — he just gets it! 12-year-old Nick struggles with his parent’s separation, a school bully, and the awkwardness of a first crush. The only thing that feels right is soccer…until he gets injured and can’t play. This lyrical, fast-paced story feels honest and relatable and kids will get excited to read.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
HISTORICAL FICTION
Hesse does an incredible job at transporting us into the difficult life circumstances on an unproductive farm, constant dust storms, and tragic family troubles. Atmospheric, dramatic, and almost hard to read, you’ll find this beautifully written and astounding as the main character, Billie Jo perseveres through it all.
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
MEMOIR
Based on the author’s childhood, Thanhha reveals the overwhelm of immigrating from Vietnam to the American South in the 1970s, a completely different culture and language. Despite feeling turned inside out, Hà resiliently figures out life in the U.S., despite the many challenges she faces. I loved this book –it’s written with such an authentic voice. Plus, it gives readers a first-hand look at an immigrant experience. Winner of the National Book Award and Newbery Honor.
Flipping Forward Twisting Backwards by Alma Fullerton
DYSLEXIA / GYMNASTICS
Claire is the best at gymnastics, but she’s not the best at reading. In fact, she can’t read AT ALL–and has fooled everyone for years. She lashes out to protect her secret and gets sent often to the principal. The principal figures out that Claire needs learning testing, but Claire’s mom is adamantly against testing. Claire’s friends, her sister, and a supportive teacher help her with word recognition — but she continues to ask her mom to let her get tested, which she eventually does. There’s so much to love about this fast-paced book in verse.
Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood
HISTORICAL FICTION (based on a true story)
Thinking Hitler will invade England next, Ken’s family sends him to safety in Canada. But, Ken’s ship doesn’t make it. It’s torpedoed and sunk only days into the journey. Written in verse, this is a moving account of bravery and survival as Ken, several other kids, a priest, the ship’s only woman, and members of the crew spend weeks adrift at sea in an ill-stocked lifeboat. You’ll read about their swollen feet, dehydration, and starvation as well as the stories and songs that helped keep the kids distracted and hopeful. Ultimately, you’ll be left with a sense of amazement at the resiliency of the human spirit.
A Seed in the Sun by Aida Salazar
HISTORICAL FICTION
A tender and poignant middle-grade novel in verse showing an important time in history, the power of collective voices against injustices, and a girl finding her strength. Lula’s family are migrant workers. When Lula’s mom gets sick from pesticides, they can only get her medical care if they join the worker strikes started by Phillipino migrant workers. Eventually, her violent dad is convinced to join the strike which transforms their family, gives the girls hope, and helps Lula’s mom get health care. A beautiful coming-of-age story.
Emmy in the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido
STEM / REALISTIC
This is an exquisite book that celebrates music, STEM, making friends, and growing into yourself. Emmy’s eager to start a new school and make friends but she’s thwarted by rude kids. A daughter of professional musicians, Emmy decides to accept that she’ll never be a musician. So she takes a computer programming class instead of music. As Emmy’s family adjusts to San Francisco, Emmy figures out her place in the world, especially as it relates to her growing love for programming. Lucido skillfully connects music and programming in a memorable, poetic story that even non-programmers can understand.
Alone by Megan E Freeman
SURVIVAL
I love this fast-paced, incredible survival story (in verse) with a plucky female protagonist! Everyone in her town is evacuated except for Maddie because no one knows where she is. She and her neighbor’s dog are forced to survive for days, months, and years! They face food shortages, hard winters, springs, and no humans except looters. She realizes that people can’t come back for her if they’re all dead and she remains determined to survive.
Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
REALISTIC
After his mom leaves for a mental hospital stay, Etan stops talking. After school, he runs errands for a grocery store, and on one delivery, he meets a girl named Malia, who has a skin condition. She homeschools because other kids call her “Creature.” Etan shares his immigrant grandfather’s special clay from the Dead Sea with Malia, and it seems to help her skin. Etan encourages his new friend Malia to perform in a talent show, but a devastating earthquake changes their best-laid plans with ruinous plans of its own. This heartfelt book is about a friendship, faith, Jewish heritage, mental health, family, and differences, and it is beautifully narrated in verse.
Once In a Blue Moon by Sharon G. Flake
James Henry hasn’t left the house in months. His twin sister Hattie encourages him to start small so they can be ready for the upcoming blue moon and a visit to the Lighthouse. When James Henry ventures outside, it begins their long journey to the lighthouse. But their trip is fraught with dangers, including mean neighbor kids and racist men. Surprisingly, the perils draw James Henry farther and farther out of his shell, especially when his sister needs him, and we learn what happened to make him so traumatized. This lovingly written verse novel set in the historical South is a masterpiece of forgiveness, healing, and family bonds. I loved everything about it!
Isabel in Bloom written by Mae Respicio
Written in lyrical verse, Isabel moves from the Philippines to join her mother with whom she hasn’t lived in 5 years. Now in a new country, new school, and speaking a new language, Now in a new country, new school, and speaking a new language, Isabel makes new friends in a culinary club. She also asks to start a gardening club so they can grow food for the culinary club. Just like the plants grow from seeds into something more, the metaphor reflects Isabel’s seedling relationship with her mother and her new home.
Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
REALISTIC
Because of the pandemic, Malin is sent away from her parents to live with her grandparents on the Wabanaki reservation. A rez dog named Malsum adopts them and becomes her ally and friend. Her grandparents teach Malin about the history of Native kids who were taken away by the government and share many other stories of their beliefs and history, which help Malin connect to her heritage and feel less sad about missing her parents.
Mountain Dog by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Aleksey & Olga Ivanov
REALISTIC
When Tony’s mother is sent to jail, Tony is sent to stay with a great uncle he has never met in the Sierra Nevada mountains. With his tió and a search-and-rescue dog named Gabe by his side, Tony learns how to track wild animals, is welcomed to the Cowboy Church, and makes new friends at the Mountain School. Most importantly, his uncle Gabe shows Tony what unconditional love is –for the first time in his life.
Work in Progress by Jarett Lerner
REALISTIC
Will is self-loathing about his body size, which makes his eating even more disordered. He eats away the sadness and doesn’t eat to try to fix it, and it’s a horrible cycle. As he grapples with his identity and makes a new friend, Will begins to realize that he’s a work in progress and eating, his body size, and his shape aren’t bad. He concludes that it’s not his job to change, to bend or twist to what others want, but only to be himself. Written in verse, this is an unflinching, emotionally-charged look at disordered eating and body dysmorphia.
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan
REALISTIC
Emerson Elementary is closing. The students have mixed feelings about the school closure — some are very upset that the school is closing while others aren’t. Each chapter is written from the student’s unique voices in verse. This is a quick read with some interesting topics to discuss. Winner of Cybils Award in Poetry, Arnold Adoff Poetry Award, Bank Street College of Education Book of the Year, and an NCTE Notable Verse Novel.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
REALISTIC
Written in evocative yet very readable verse, follow a young girl from her home in Syria as she moves with her mother to the United States. Jude’s journey is one of growing up, being brave, and discovering. Readers will see how Jude finds her way– relating other ESL / ELL students in their safe classroom space, finding new friends, getting her period and starting to wear a headscarf, and even performing in the school play. Her insights on life in America helps put us in her shoes of an immigrant experiencing this country for the first time.
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
WORLD EVENTS / REALISTIC
This story shares Amira’s life in Sudan before and after her village is attacked. After the attack, she must walk for days to get to the safety of a refugee camp. Despite her grief, she finds hope in the form of a special pencil as she sees the possibilities for education and self-expression.
Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes
REALISTIC
First of all — WOW! Grimes wrote this entire book not just in verse but in tanka poem!! Garvey, the main character, wants to connect to his father, but it seems like a chasm that’s too big. For example, Garvey likes reading and chess, while his father likes sports. However, when Garvey discovers an interest in music, will it be the bridge that connects him to his dad? I loved this bittersweet story of redemption and belonging.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
MEMOIR
Written in verse, this is the author’s own story about growing up as an African-American girl in the south and the north during the Civil Rights movement. It’s a powerful introduction to this time period and the issues of race in the United States since it’s told through the eyes of a child. National Book Award finalist.
Under the Broken Sky by Mariko Nagai (ages 10+)
HISTORICAL FICTION
Written in verse, this historical novel tells a poignant story of survival, family, and refugees. It’s set in China, when Japan had conquered a northern section of the land. Natsu’s father and sister are Japanese settlers under constant threat from the Chinese and Russians. And when they’re attacked, they’re forced to flee on foot for miles and miles, eventually finding overcrowded shelter where sickness and disease eliminate many of them, including Natsu’s auntie.
You Might Also Like:
The Best Graphic Novels for Kids
Please include a link to a printable list of these books – that would help me save a ton of paper! Thanks!
DONE. Here you go: https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/12-Novels-in-Verse.pdf
Have you checked out the Diverse Verse website and padlet? They have great resources and more suggestions for verse novels written by authors from underrepresented and marginalized communities
I didn’t know about this, Padma, thank you so much for sharing! I just signed up for the email newsletter.