Check It Out Category: Staff Picks

National Poetry Month: Staff Favorites from the Young Adult Collection

Collections of poetry, free form, or novels-in-verse: we’ve got all your tastes covered! Celebrate National Poetry Month this April by reading lyrical, beautiful poetry from our Young Adult collection. Browse our curated lists below or pick up a staff favorite.

other words for home book cover

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

A beautiful and hopeful free-verse novel about a girl who tries to adjust to a new home after she emigrates from Syria with her mother while also worrying about her father and brother still in Syria. Jude’s emotions ring clear though the verse and catch the reader. I highly recommend the audio version as well!

-Abby, Teen Librarian

Ain't Burned all the Bright book cover

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds & illustrated by Jason Griffin

This stunning and unique book is a blend of art and text in a journal-like format that captures the frustration and anxiety of a Black boy overwhelmed by the onslaught of bad news — COVID, racism, police brutality, and more — and the way he finds solace and hope in the embrace of his family.

-Andrea, Teen Librarian

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance book cover

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes

What a unique read! Grimes creates one-of-a-kind poems from the words of little-known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance. The poems are enhanced by incredibly beautiful full-page illustrations. A glorious and refreshing celebration of women creators!

-Al, Readers’ Advisor

long way down book cover

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

The book is an eye opening look at grief, gang violence, and family. The verse is melodic and intense yet very approachable! Heartbreaking yet oddly hopeful. A must read!

-Denise, Readers’ Advisor

You Don't Have to be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves book cover

You Don’t Have to be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves by Diana Whitney

Featuring a diverse tapestry of poets such as Amanda Gorman, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Mary Oliver, this compilation of poetry speaks to the emotional experiences of growing up. Interwoven between some of the more intimate or tough parts of growing are the joys and highs of life, ultimately leaving a message of hope behind.

“If you cannot believe that things will soften, trust that I believe for you.”

-Jenny, Program Librarian-Supervisor

If You Like Bridgerton: Staff Picks

Check out these reads and watches that will give you the same Bridgerton vibes, enthusiastically provided by our resident regency romance expert Liz, Fiction-AV-Teen Librarian.

emma DVD cover

Emma (DVD)

If you like the costumes in Bridgerton, the beautiful and authentic regency dresses in Emma will be right up your alley! 

the dutchess deal book cover

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duchess Deal, the first installment in the Girl Meet Duke series features both the romance as well as the lovely wit and humor of the books and show.  

my lady's choosing book cover

My Lady’s Choosing by Kitty Curan

A fun take on a romance novel that allows the readers to choose their own path for the main character. 

Belle DVD cover

Belle (DVD)

Inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate daughter of a Royal Navy captain, this period drama features Belle whose lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in society and leaves her left wondering if she will ever find love.

wicked and the wallflower book cover

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Available in Large Type!

Three different brothers find love in London.  If that was one of your favorite aspects of the Bridgerton series, you will find that same appeal here.

cold-hearted rake book cover

Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Available in Large Type!

With the same high society London setting as Bridgerton, readers will enjoy Kleypas’ characters and strong writing.  

Mary queen of Scots DVD cover

Mary Queen of Scots (DVD)

A period drama that focuses on the relationships between women, featuring powerful, headstrong, complicated characters just like Bridgerton.