The Best YA Poetry Books

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Underlined by asking yourself, what inspires you? Check out this list of the best YA poetry books and novels in verse and get inspired to live a poetic life. What poetry are you reading this month? Let us know at @getunderlined!

The Best YA Poetry Books

Dear Medusa

By Olivia A. Cole

This searing and intimate novel in verse follows a sixteen-year-old girl coping with sexual abuse as she grapples with how to reclaim her story, her anger, and her body in a world that seems determined to punish her for the sin of surviving.

“This is more than a story about sexual violence—this book is about race, sexuality, love, and how anger can be a catalyst for healing.”
—Gabrielle Union, bestselling author, actress, and producer

Chlorine Sky

By Mahogany L. Browne

From the first ever poet-in-residence at Lincoln Center comes a bold coming-of-age story told in verse about a young woman who loses a best friend, but finds herself in the process. The joys of basketball, the tumult of high school, and the bonds of family are lyrically woven together in this must-read novel.

Home Is Not a Country

By Safia Elhillo

From the acclaimed poet featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list, this powerful novel-in-verse captures one girl, caught between cultures, on an unexpected journey tofacethe ephemeral girl she might have been. Woven through with moments of lyrical beauty,thisis a tender meditation on family, belonging, and home.

Finding Jupiter

By Kelis Rowe

Sparks fly when Orion and Ray meet for the first time at a roller rink in Memphis. But these star-crossed souls have a past filled with secrets that threaten to tear them apart before their love story even begins. Found poetry, grief, and fate collide in this powerful debut.

Vinyl Moon

By Mahogany L. Browne

A teen girl hiding the scars of a past relationship finds home and healing in the words of strong Black writers. A beautiful sophomore novel from a critically acclaimed author and poet that explores how words have the power to shape and uplift our world even in the midst of pain.

Alma Presses Play

By Tina Cane

A lyrical novel-in-verse that takes us through the journey of coming of age in New York during the 80s.

Best YA Poetry Books

The Best YA Poetry Books

Dear Medusa

By Olivia A. Cole

Chlorine Sky

By Mahogany L. Browne

Home Is Not a Country

By Safia Elhillo

Finding Jupiter

By Kelis Rowe

Vinyl Moon

By Mahogany L. Browne

Alma Presses Play

By Tina Cane

Did you enjoy this article on the best YA poetry books? Check out other book recs here, and get social with us at @getunderlined!

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