Novels in verse are a great way to engage students in reading and literature. This unique form of storytelling combines poetry and narrative, creating a captivating reading experience. If you’re looking for novels in verse to introduce to your classroom, here are 12 terrific options:

1. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson: This powerful memoir in verse explores Woodson’s childhood and her experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander: This award-winning novel tells the story of twin brothers, basketball, and family dynamics through the lens of poetry.

3. “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse: Set during the Great Depression, this book chronicles the struggles of a young girl named Billie Jo as she navigates loss, forgiveness, and hope.

4. “Inside Out & Back Again” by Thanhha Lai: Based on the author’s own experiences, this novel explores the life of a young girl named Hà as her family escapes Vietnam and settles in Alabama.

5. “Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech: Written in diary-format poems, this book follows Jack’s journey as he discovers his love for poetry and develops his own unique voice.

6. “May B.” by Caroline Starr Rose: Set in the late 1800s, this novel tells the story of a young girl named May as she faces challenges while trying to survive alone on the Kansas prairie.

7. “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds: In this gripping novel, Will takes an elevator ride down to seek revenge for his brother’s murder, exploring themes of grief, justice, and redemption.

8. “Inside Out: Poems on Writing and Reading Poems” by Georgia Heard: This collection of poems celebrates the joys and challenges of writing and reading poetry, making it a great resource for teaching the genre.

9. “The Poet Slave of Cuba” by Margarita Engle: Based on a true story, this book follows the life of Juan Francisco Manzano, a talented poet and slave who seeks freedom through his words.

10. “The Red Pencil” by Andrea Davis Pinkney: This novel tells the story of Amira, a young Sudanese girl, who finds solace and hope through her love for drawing and poetry.

11. “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings” by Margarita Engle: In this memoir in verse, Engle shares her experiences growing up with a Cuban mother and an American father, taking readers on a journey filled with cultural exploration and self-discovery.

12. “Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, The Gallows, and The Black General Gabriel” by Gigi Amateau: This historical fiction novel follows the true story of Gabriel, a literate enslaved blacksmith who plans a revolt in 1800s Virginia.

These 12 novels in verse offer diverse perspectives, rich storytelling, and compelling themes that will engage your students and deepen their appreciation for poetry and literature. Whether you read them aloud as a class, assign them for independent reading, or use them as discussion prompts, these novels will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on your classroom. Enjoy exploring the world of verse novels!