If you’ve never heard of or read a verse novel, here’s one definition: a hybrid form of writing that often combines poetry, narrative, and unusual formatting.
Since my middle grade verse novel, Color Me Skye, debuted this month, I thought verse novels would be a great subject for the Six Pens blog.
You can read samples of any or all of these books on Amazon.
“This beautiful and emotional story is told in energetic, descriptive free verse… Adams' pace of the story bounces you in a good way to the very end… Color Me Skye by Gloria G. Adams may be one of the warmest and most uplifting books for grade-schoolers aged 9-12 you will read this year.” ~Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views
Black Star by Kwame Alexander follows the dreams of a determined Charley Cuffey who wants more than anything to become the first woman to pitch professional baseball. But at 12 years old, she is unaware of the obstacles facing an African American girl growing up in the American South in the middle of the 20th century.
“Engrossing and utterly gripping…Black Star is an outstanding and thorough novel that radiates in every line of text the pride, strength, and determination of African Americans and their African ancestors.” ~Shelf Awareness, starred review
Hoop Queens 2 by Charles R. Smith Jr. brings a fresh way of highlighting the lives and talents of 13 of the best women basketball players. A fun, energetic way to read biographies, Hoop Queens’ back matter explains how the author used different poetic forms geared to the abilities of each player.
“This collection offers a winning mix of wordplay, alliteration, and rhythms. Fans will relish Smith’s inventive tribute to a fresh group of stellar athletes. . . Accessible and appealing short poetry and wordplay, paired with exciting photographs, will draw a wide audience.” ~School Library Journal
“Excellent pacing, an engrossing plot, and an endearing main character make this impossible to put down. A riveting survival story with emotional growth. …Opal's voice shines through each poem, deepening moments of emotional resonance and intensifying action sequences.” ~Booklist, starred review
Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis takes readers back to the 1980’s and middle-schooler Cayenne’s longing to fit in after living in a van on the road with her unconventional parents. But the realities of middle school cliques and prejudices make her wonder if fitting in is really what she wants after all.
“An intensely readable novel in free verse, Vitalis’s latest introduces Cayenne, 12, in her 1985 world of trying to fit in after a life lived on the road. . . readers will be exposed to thoughtful meditations on whether standing out or fitting in is the best option for middle schoolers.” ~ School Library Journal (starred review)
“In lovely verse, Williams tells a powerful story of a young teenager struggling in the wake of a friend’s death... Observing him overcome his fears, both of risky stunts and of showing people his true self, is incredibly empowering…A quietly stunning novel in verse about grief and learning to accept yourself…” ~ School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson highlights in verse the story of a young seventh-grade girl named Sage whose neighborhood is being devastated by fires. Not only is her community changing; Sage and her friends are learning about changes within themselves as well as with each other as they move into the uncertain roller coaster of adolescence.
“…a poignant work of middle-grade historical fiction about how a little-known event shapes one girl's transition to young woman. . . ~Shelf Awareness, starred review
Forest World by Margarita Engle takes young Edver back to Cuba to spend the summer with his father, who he barely knows, and a sister he didn’t even know he had. Along the way, Edver and Luza discover that their forest is threatened by dangerous wildlife poachers.
“An evocative verse novel told in alternating voices . . . Filled with butterflies, hummingbirds, forest creatures, and fossils. . . Realistically satisfying.” -- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
The Song of Orphan’s Garden by Nicole M. Hewitt is a fantasy quest set in an arctic world ruled by Giants and deadly Winter Spirits. Lyriana and her brother Zave must reach the legendary Orphan’s Garden to survive. But will Brob, the seemingly friendly boy giant, really help them?
"In skillfully crafted verse, The Song of Orphan’s Garden sings to the reader in beautiful harmony about unexpected courage, impossible friendships, and the magic inside us all ... " ―Chris Baron, author of Sydney Taylor Notable Book, The Magical Imperfect
Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi tells the story of seventh-grader, Kareem, a Syrian American who finds himself struggling to fit into a new school, and caught between friends, countries, and right and wrong.
“Kareem’s story will pull you in with each emotion-filled play and pass…a new perspective we desperately need to find hope and empathy in our divided world.” ~Aida Salazar, award-Winning author of Ultraviolet
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