Twenty Engaging and Relatable Novels in Verse for Middle Grades
Looking to explore novels in verse for middle grades with you students during poetry month, or any time of the year? Let me help with this curated list of novels in verse that are sure to spark your students' reading interests.
Novels in verse provide an opportunity for reluctant readers to find books they love. While more advanced readers can explore new genres. Let’s get started and dive into novels in verse for middle grades.
Why Read Novels in Verse for Middle Grades?
Accessibility
The novels are written in verse, making them accessible and inviting for young readers. The poetic form offers a unique and often more approachable way to engage with storytelling. This encourages students who may be intimidated by longer prose to dive into reading.
The concise and structured format of poetry in these novels allows for easier digestion of content. This can be particularly beneficial for reluctant readers or those who might struggle with longer narratives. The format allows for shorter, impactful bursts of storytelling.
Diverse Themes and Perspectives
These novels cover many themes, including identity, family dynamics, friendship, social issues, historical events, and personal growth. They often present diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. This can prompt discussions about empathy, understanding, and appreciating different viewpoints.
Relatability
The protagonists in these stories are often young characters experiencing situations and emotions that resonate with middle school students. The struggles, challenges, and triumphs portrayed in the novels can help students connect with the characters and reflect on their own experiences.
Multifaceted Learning Opportunities
The poetic nature of these novels allows for exploration of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, imagery, and rhythm. Analyzing these elements can deepen students' understanding of language, tone, and the art of storytelling.
Encouraging Creativity
The novels often feature characters who express themselves through creative outlets like poetry, dance, or art. This can inspire students to explore their own creative abilities and find new ways to express themselves.
Discussion Starters
The themes and topics explored in these novels can serve as excellent conversation starters in the classroom. Teachers can facilitate discussions on relevant issues, ethics, historical contexts, and social-emotional learning.
Engaging Narrative Styles
Each novel employs a unique narrative style and voice, captivating readers with compelling storytelling techniques. The variety in styles can keep students engaged and excited about exploring different literary forms.
Overall, these novels in verse for middle grades offer a blend of accessibility, diversity, relatability. They encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for literature and storytelling.
Novels in Verse for Middle Grades
Alone by Megan E. Freeman
A gripping middle-grade novel in verse that follows the story of Maddie. After spending the night alone at her grandparent’s apartment, she wakes to discover that she is the only survivor.
She must navigate the challenges of isolation, fear, and survival while trying to find a way to communicate with the outside world.
As she grapples with loneliness and uncertainty, Maddie utilizes her creativity and resourcefulness to survive. The book explores themes of resilience, courage, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
New Kid by Jerry Craft (and all the books in the series)
A graphic novel that revolves around Jordan Banks, a 12-year-old African American boy navigating life as a new student at a prestigious, predominantly white private school.
Jordan faces various challenges as he tries to find his place in the school. He is balancing his desire to be himself while conforming to societal expectations.
The novel sheds light on the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in creating a welcoming and inclusive school environment.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This vibrant autobiography in verse follows Woodson's childhood growing up in segregated South Carolina and Brooklyn during the 1960s. It's a powerful story about family, identity, and finding your voice.
The novel in verse explores themes of race, identity, family, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
This poignant novels in verse for middle grades tells the story of Chloe, a 12-year-old grappling with grief and guilt after her younger brother's drowning. Through lyrical free verse, Fipps explores themes of loss, friendship, and resilience.
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
In the novel, Lonnie's life is turned upside down when his parents die in a fire. This heartbreaking yet hopeful novel in verse chronicles his journey through foster care and his determination to reunite with his younger sister.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Jude, a Syrian refugee fleeing her war-torn country, embarks on a new life in America. This powerful novels in verse for middle grades captures her struggles with displacement, cultural differences, and finding her place in the world.
Poetree by M. T. Anderson
This playful and innovative collection features thirteen interconnected stories told through different poetic forms, each exploring a distinct facet of middle school life.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Basketball and free verse come together in this dynamic novel in verse about Josh, a seventh-grader torn between his love for the game and his loyalty to his twin brother. It's a story about family, friendship, and finding your own rhythm.
Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton
With beautiful imagery and rich Southern dialect, this novels in verse for middle grades transports readers to the sweltering summer of 1953, where 12-year-old Frannie navigates family secrets, first crushes, and the looming shadow of segregation.
Shouting at the Rain by Emily Winfield Martin
Based on the classic fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast," this unique novel in verse tells the story from the Beast's perspective, offering a fresh and compelling take on the beloved tale.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Echo is a historical novels in verse for middle grades tells the story of three young people – a freed slave, a Confederate soldier, and a Cherokee girl – whose lives intersect during the Civil War. It's a powerful story about courage, friendship, and the enduring power of hope.
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
This novels in verse tells the story of Ha, a 10-year-old girl who flees Saigon during the Vietnam War and resettles in Alabama. The book chronicles Ha's experiences as she navigates a new country, culture shock, and the challenges of being an immigrant.
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings by Margarita Engle
A memoir in verse, this book explores Margarita's experiences growing up between two cultures—Cuban and American—during a time of political turmoil between the two countries, capturing her struggles and love for both places.
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
This novels in verse for middle grades follows the story of Amira, a Sudanese girl whose life is disrupted by war. After a tragic event, she must find the strength to overcome challenges and embrace hope through her passion for art and education.
Reaching for Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer
This book tells the story of Josie, a girl with cerebral palsy who strives for independence and acceptance. Through poetry, Josie expresses her desire to find her voice and stand up for herself.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
A heartfelt story told through a boy's diary entries and poetry assignments. It follows Jack's journey from reluctance to love for poetry as he deals with personal loss and discovers the power of self-expression.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Set during the Dust Bowl era, this novels in verse for middle grades follows the struggles of 14-year-old Billie Jo as she copes with loss, hardship, and her love for playing the piano amidst the harsh conditions of the Great Depression.
Rhyme Schemer by K.A. Holt
A story about bullying and redemption. Kevin, a troublemaker, expresses his emotions and experiences through poetry, ultimately learning about empathy and the consequences of his actions.
May B. by Caroline Starr Rose
May, a young girl in the late 1800s, faces isolation and survival challenges after being left alone to tend a neighbor's homestead in the Kansas prairie. Her resilience and determination are highlighted as she confronts difficulties.
The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary by Laura Shovan
The story revolves around the last year of fifth grade, told through the perspectives of 18 diverse students, each sharing their experiences, struggles, and growth through poems.
Bonus Novels in Verse for Middle Grades
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
In this novel, Timothy is placed under house arrest and uses a journal to express his thoughts and emotions as he navigates family struggles, friendships, and finding hope amid challenging circumstances.
The Way the Light Bends by Cordelia Jensen
This story follows Virtual, a girl dealing with her sister's injury, as she discovers herself through poetry, dance, and her evolving family dynamics.
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman
Veda, a talented Bharatanatyam dancer, overcomes a leg amputation and finds new ways to pursue her passion for dance and self-expression.
Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes
Gabby, a daydreamer, finds solace in poetry and imagination as she navigates her parents' divorce and adjusts to changes in her life.
Wishes, Dares, and How to Stand Up to a Bully by Darlene Beck Jacobson
Jack, a boy dealing with family issues, befriends a girl named Karen and together they confront bullies and learn to overcome their fears.
Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose
This book revolves around the unlikely friendship between Alis and Kimi, two girls from different cultures, set against the backdrop of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes
Joylin, a girl navigating middle school, expresses her experiences through poetry as she deals with friendships, family, and finding her place in a new school.
The Watcher by Joan Hiatt Harlow
Wendy, a girl in World War II-era England, uses her keen observation skills to assist with rescue efforts during the London bombings while facing personal challenges.
These novels offer diverse narratives, exploring themes of identity, family, resilience, and self-discovery through the beauty of verse and poetry, making them suitable and engaging novels in verse for middle grades.
