Verse novels are novels that are written in verse! You don’t have to be a fan of poetry to enjoy verse novels. Written in free verse, they are quick and easy reads that can be enjoyed by all. With fewer words than a traditional novel, each word in a verse novel is carefully chosen to describe a character, scene, or emotion. They are often powerful, emotional stories that explore social issues from different perspectives.
If you haven’t read a verse novel before, why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how engaging and rewarding they are. They offer a quick way to finish a novel and add to your reading goal for the year!
Here are some suggestions to get you started. Although written for the young adult market, adults would also enjoy these books.
Find these verse novels in our catalogue:
Clap when you land by Elizabeth Acevedo, 2020
Two girls, one father. One girl lives in the Dominican Republic, the other in New York City. Both girls are devoted to their father. Both girls are devastated when he dies in a plane crash. Both girls don’t know the other exists. A moving description of grief, love, family secrets and forgiveness. Clap when you land is available in Print, eBook, and Audiobook formats.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, 2015
Twin brothers, Josh and Jordan, are sons of a former basketball superstar and kings on the basketball court. Told in a catchy rap style, this is a story about basketball, family, and growing up, and is brimming with attitude and emotion. The Crossover is available in print and eBook formats.
Long way down by Jason Reynolds, 2017
This verse novel takes place in sixty seconds — the time of an elevator ride — as fifteen-year-old Will decides whether he’s going to murder the guy who just killed his brother. Will knows the rules: no crying, no snitching, revenge. This powerful novel highlights the devastating effects the cycle of gun violence has on a community. Long way down is available in print and eBook formats.
Sister Heart by Sally Morgan, 2015
A young Aboriginal girl from outback Australia is abducted from her family by the government. She is taken far away and placed in a children's home for Indigenous children to be taught English, given a basic education, and sent out to work as a servant at the age of 14. This verse novel provides an important and heartbreaking insight into the Stolen Generations. Sister Heart is available in print format.
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan, 2017
Joe Moon hasn't seen his brother for ten years. Accused of murder, Ed has been on death row. But now Ed's execution date has been set, and Joe is determined to spend those last weeks with him. This verse novel packs a powerful emotional punch and asks big questions: What value do you place on life? What can you forgive? And just how do you say goodbye? Moonrise is available in print format.
Punching the air by Ibi Zoboi, 2020
At the age of sixteen, Amal’s future is ripped away from him when he is convicted of assaulting a white boy and sent to prison. Despair threatens to overwhelm him, with art and poetry his only escape. This verse novel exposes the injustices and racism still faced by marginalised black youths in America. Punching the air is available in print format.
Other popular authors of verse novels include:
Ellen Hopkins, Catherine Bateson, Margaret Wild, Stephen Herrick, Karen Hesse, Sonya Sones, Emma Cameron, Sharon Kernot and David Levithan.