Book Lists

Poetry Beyond Poetry Month

poetry & verse novels for any time of year

April may be National Poetry Month, but there’s no wrong time of year to read and teach poetry in its many forms! Stock your library and classroom shelves with this collection that showcases the variety, diversity, and wonder of verse. Plus, peruse and download free resources to help engage students and guide discussions. 

Featured Titles

A Forest Song

A Forest Song

Kirsten Hall

This beautiful cento poem from two award-winning creators about experiencing a forest with all of your senses will make the perfect read-aloud for nature lovers and curious explorers of all ages.

Into the forest, dark and deep,
With miles to go before I sleep . . .
Beneath the holy oaks I wander.
Here, O my heart, just listen!

Gathering the Light

Gathering the Light

Joy Harjo

From the former U.S. Poet Laureate and author of the national bestseller Remember, this luminous and lyrical picture book reminds readers to cherish their place in the world and make a positive impact wherever they go.

We live in a circle; it begins at sunrise.
Go out to greet the day, to respect, to honor.

Let It Shine!

Let It Shine!

Carole Boston Weatherford

From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom comes a joyful picture book set to “This Little Light of Mine.” With a unique jacket and case cover, it’s the perfect gift for all of life’s milestones.

This little light reflects
an everlasting flame:
Hope that was passed down to you
by those who overcame.
A new sun is rising.

The Snow Loves

The Snow Loves

Kirsten Hall

A tender, poetic celebration of winter’s magic, this gorgeously illustrated picture book invites readers to step into a snowy forest and discover the quiet wonder, hidden life, and timeless beauty that snow brings to the natural world.

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields…”

That Is My Dream!

That Is My Dream!

Langston Hughes

“Dream Variation,” one of Langston Hughes’s most celebrated poems, about the dream of a world free of discrimination and racial prejudice, is now a picture book stunningly illustrated by Daniel Miyares, the acclaimed creator of Float.

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done….

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer

Paige Classey

Anna-Jane couldn’t wait for camp. But when the outside world goes dark, she and her friends soon realize they’re in for the adventure of their lives this summer—and maybe even beyond.

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Sharon G. Flake

From the three-time Coretta Scott King Honor winning author of The Skin I’m In comes a poignant story about a southern girl far from home at an elite girls boarding school in the north, who must find the courage to be herself and to dream of a brighter future, set against the backdrop of the great migration in South Philly.

You can be what you want in life.
Climb as high as you wish.
Nothing can stop you,
not even pedigree.

It's All or Nothing, Vale

It's All or Nothing, Vale

Andrea Beatriz Arango

A poignant novel in verse in which, after a life-changing accident, one girl finds her way back to her life’s passion. From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All.

All these months of staring at the wall?
All these months of feeling weak?
It’s ending—
I’m going back to fencing.
And then it’ll be…

Isabel in Bloom

Isabel in Bloom

Mae Respicio

A girl discovers a connection between her home in the Philippines and her new home in the U.S. through a special garden in this middle grade verse novel that celebrates nourishment and growth.

The Poetry of US

The Poetry of US

J. Patrick Lewis

It’s all about us! Join former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America’s people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs.

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe

Mahogany L. Browne

A powerful, genre-bending mosaic of fiction and poetry that celebrates the humanity, grace, and resilience of teenage New Yorkers riding out the pandemic—from the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky

Ariel Crashes a Train

Ariel Crashes a Train

Olivia A. Cole

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.”

Bright Red Fruit

Bright Red Fruit

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.

The Pools

The Pools

E. Lockhart

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the We Were Liars series comes a love story full of simmering darkness and astonishing twists, following two teenagers whose lives are shattered by a shocking transformation.

Picture Books

Gathering the Light

Joy Harjo; illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

The Snow Loves

Kirsten Hall; illustrated by Marc Martin

16 Words

Lisa Rogers; illustrated by Chuck Groenink

The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury

Selected by Jack Prelutsky; illustrated by Meilo So

A Forest Song

Kirsten Hall; illustrated by Evan Turk

A Poem in Your Pocket (Mr. Tiffin's Classroom Series)

Margaret McNamara; illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Just Like Me

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Let It Shine!

Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Tequitia Andrews

Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!

Patricia C. McKissack; illustrated by Brian Pinkney

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry

Edited by J. Patrick Lewis, U.S. Children's Poet Laureate

Remember

Joy Harjo; illustrated by Michaela Goade

That Is My Dream!

Langston Hughes; illustrated by Daniel Miyares

Middle Grade

Young Adult

Featured Resources

Remember

Educators’ Guide

It’s All or Nothing, Vale

Educators’ Guide

Are You Nobody Too?

Educators’ Guide

Hattie Mae Begins Again

Educators’ Guide

Isabel in Bloom

Educators’ Guide

Iveliz Explains It All

Educators’ Guide

Once in a Blue Moon

Educators’ Guide

Something Like Home

Educators’ Guide

Mahogany L. Browne

Author Study Guide

Dear Medusa

Educators’ Guide

Home Is Not a Country

Discussion Guide

Bright Red Fruit

Educators’ Guide

A Love of Reading Starts with Dr. Seuss

Get teaching tips, lesson ideas, and downloadable activities to inspire a lifelong love of reading in your classroom using Dr. Seuss’s trademark humorous verse and illustrations!

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Discover Great Titles for Every Moment

Build your classroom library and seasonal programming with recommendations from our 2026–2027 School Year Planner! By clicking on titles featured in this interactive PDF, you can learn more about each book and download related resources.

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