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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.”
Sixteen titles went head-to-head in a bracket-style, four-round tournament of champions voted on by MPPL teens. Only one was crowned the coveted 2022 Favorite Teen Read Winner.
Did you successfully crack the codes of our recent Teen Escape Rooms? Do you have a talent for guessing the culprit in any mystery you are reading or watching? If so, we have the reads for you! Experience a puzzle or locked-room mystery between the pages of our favorite keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat whodunits. Try to solve the mystery before the final pages reveal the answer.
Participate in a little friendly competition this month with our book-style version of March Madness in the Teen Space! Each round features a head-to-head matchup of currently popular titles chosen by teens in Teen Think Tank. Which read will prevail? Cast your vote for each round at the Fiction-AV-Teen desk; watch the Teen Space wall for the latest advancers! The winner will be revealed at the end of the month. Which read are you rooting for?
Curious about any of the books chosen for the bracket, or just want to re-read your favorites? Click on each title below to find it at the library.
Black History Month (and any month!) offers a great time to add books featuring Black protagonists to the top of your reading list. We suggest these 18 page-turners of all genres, featuring joyful moments and happy endings. Click on any cover that strikes you for full book information.
