The Best YA Poetry Books

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Underlined by asking yourself, what inspires you? Check out this list of the best YA poetry books and novels in verse and get inspired to live a poetic life. What poetry are you reading this month? Let us know at @getunderlined!

The Best YA Poetry Books

Ariel Crashes a Train

By Olivia A. Cole

“A gorgeously kind, wonderfully gentle, and unfailingly compassionate depiction of OCD…bursting with light.”
— Ashley Woodfolk, critically acclaimed author of Nothing Burns as Bright as You

Exploring the harsh reality of OCD and violent intrusive thoughts in stunning, lyrical writing, this novel-in-verse conjures a haunting yet hopeful portrait of a girl on the edge. From the author of Dear Medusa, which New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed called “a fierce and brightly burning feminist roar.”

Dear Medusa

By Olivia A. Cole

This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

“This is more than a story about sexual violence—this book is about race, sexuality, love, and how anger can be a catalyst for healing.”
—Gabrielle Union, bestselling author, actress, and producer

Bright Red Fruit

By Safia Elhillo

An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager’s journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of Home Is Not a Country.

Home Is Not a Country

By Safia Elhillo

LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD

“Nothing short of magic.” —Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X

From the acclaimed poet featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list, this powerful novel-in-verse captures one girl, caught between cultures, on an unexpected journey to face the ephemeral girl she might have been. Woven through with moments of lyrical beauty, this is a tender meditation on family, belonging, and home.