Teenagers are a unique age group and poetry is an excellent way to connect with them. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves and explore their feelings in an honest, vulnerable manner.
Poetry books for teens provide endless enjoyment and learning. Here are a few of the best to get you started on your journey to becoming an amazing reader.
Long Way Down
Long Way Down is an inspiring poem that addresses many pressing issues faced by teens today. It makes for a great teaching tool about gun violence and also helps students hone their poetry abilities.
Long Way Down follows teenager Will as he seeks revenge on his brother’s killer. Will takes out their shared bedroom gun and shoots whomever it is that he believes responsible. Afterward, Will leaves his apartment and takes an elevator seven stories down to the lobby.
At every floor, Will is confronted by a different character from his past. All are victims of gun violence, each with their own story and reason for being there.
Will is drawn closer to the floor where his brother was killed, forcing him to consider his actions, choices and emotions. This novel-in-verse is an insightful depiction of gun violence that will spark discussions within families about it.
Reynolds’ poems are captivatingly action-packed, yet his writing is incredibly detailed and realistic, depicting Will’s fear, insecurity, and vulnerability with such clarity that it becomes a touchstone for feelings that teenage boys often struggle with.
The story is told entirely in verse, with each poem written with a staccato style that will capture and maintain your attention. Additionally, these short poems make ideal reading material for young readers.
Another excellent poetry book for teens is Impulse by Ellen Hopkins. This story follows three teenagers as they struggle with mental health issues and attempt to get their lives back on track. One of them, Connor, is a wealthy kid trying to run away from his parents; Toni and Vanessa both suffered abuse as children.
This beautiful and inspiring book can help young people rebuild their lives after trauma or abuse. It also gives them an inside look at a mental hospital, making it ideal for teens interested in exploring the mind.
Blue Lipstick
Teenagers are often in the developmental stage and may find poetry helpful as they navigate life’s ups and downs. Short, humorous poems can help teens express their ideas and emotions in an informal setting, giving them a fresh outlook on certain issues.
John Grandits’ collection Blue Lipstick is an excellent example of young adult poetry that’s both relatable and humorous. Starring 15-year-old Jessie, it speaks about her struggles trying out different makeup and hairstyles, dealing with her younger brother, and more. With Jessie’s sarcastic yet humorous writing style, this book makes one of the best teen poetry books for middle school students.
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Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson has authored more than 30 books, but her most recent release, Brown Girl Dreaming, is an insightful memoir that examines the struggles faced by African American girls during the 1960s. It received both a National Book Award and Coretta Scott King Award nomination as well as being named a Newbery Honor book.
In this stunning verse memoir, Woodson recounts her childhood growing up between her father’s Ohio home and mother’s South Carolina family. Each place has an impact on Woodson as she learns to navigate life’s obstacles.
Woodson must confront her own racism, religion, family relationships and learning disability head-on. Woodson’s words and emotions provide readers with comfort, insight and inspiration.
This book utilizes an inventive poem style to introduce younger readers to poetry. The language is accessible and the rhythm of the piece is smooth – making it an excellent tool for engaging in conversations about race and segregation.
I highly recommend this book to any reader in middle or higher grade levels, though be warned that it can get a bit dry at times. It deals with many social issues and provides an introduction to the civil rights movement.
Furthermore, this book showcases a lot of diversity. It’s essential that this text be read in the classroom to show students that people from various backgrounds can achieve success. This book serves as a great springboard for discussions on this topic and also contains useful discussion questions.
Milk and Honey
Poetry has seen a resurgence in recent years as an engaging reading format for both teens and adults alike. Thanks to social media platforms that enable independent creators to share their work, poets are reaching new readers and introducing them to the genre.
Poems can be both enjoyable and captivating for adults, while being an excellent way to introduce teens to various topics. Teens especially appreciate poems that speak directly to their experiences and help them connect with the world around them.
Poetry stands out among other genres with its personal approach and often prompts readers to reflect. For teens, poetry can bring out the best in them and aid in developing critical thinking abilities. It can be an empowering experience that encourages them to explore what drives them most deeply.
“Trees” by Mark Haddon is an example of this, as it explores self-identity and what defines a person. While its conversational tone may draw in new readers, those who take time to savor its message will find great comfort in reading it closely.
Another great choice for this type of poetry is “Land Feast” by David Levithan. This collection of poems captures both nature’s beauty and human strength, making it a great choice for tweens and teens as it encourages them to discover their own strengths which will enable them to find acceptance in society.
Plus, this book also contains “Another World,” a short poem that celebrates love and faith. This poem would be ideal for teenagers who are feeling lost or hopeless.
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