Why Novels-in-Verse Are the Best

Let’s talk about novels-in-verse! Young adult novels-in-verse are not as intimidating as they might seem. These books are all kinds of awesome. Usually written in free verse, they provide a one-of-a-kind reading experience. You can find many incredible examples across all genres and topics including sports stories, immigration stories, friendship stories, and everything else under the sun.

Here are a few reasons why reading novels-in-verse is honestly the best.

 

1. They pack a big punch.

Most novels-in-verse are impossible to forget. With powerful writing and stories that transport you to new worlds, reading one is an adventure unlike any other. These distinctive books will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

A word of advice: keep a box of tissues close by whenever you read a novel-in-verse. They can surprise you with the feels at any moment!

2. They offer a unique and sometimes faster reading experience.

Don’t get us wrong—we love spending days trapped between the covers of a 600-page book. But when you’re in the mood for something on the shorter side, a novel-in-verse is just the thing. You may even find yourself tearing through these pages faster than you imagined. Because of their unique format, they often don’t take as long to read, which means you can squeeze even more books into your day. Best news ever!

3. You’ll get to try something new.

You might be a creature of habit, but even the most predictable humans like to venture outside of their comfort zones sometimes. Reading a novel-in-verse is an enjoyable way to do just that.

Ready to try a few? Here are some fantastic novels-in-verse we think you’ll love.

Dear Medusa

Dear Medusa

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

Chlorine Sky

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.

Finding Jupiter

Finding Jupiter

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

Vinyl Moon

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.

Did you enjoy these novels-in-verse recommendations? Discover more book recs here and get social with us at @getunderlined!

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