Verse novels are one of my favourite things to read, and I always recommend them to everyone.
However, I understand that they can be a bit odd to read if you’ve never read them before. If you’re used to reading traditional prose (think of your standard novel), reading novels written in verse can take a bit of getting used to.
In case you’re not sure what the heck I’m on about and you’ve never heard of a verse novel before, here’s a quick definition: a verse novel is a type of narrative poetry in which a novel-length narrative is told through the medium of poetry rather than prose. (Thanks, Wikipedia!)
I’ve got a small collection of them building up on my bookshelves, and I always love to share them with people. I feel like there’s a verse novel recommendation for everyone, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do today!
If you’re a verse novel newbie, here are some good places to start!
Any book by Sarah Crossan
Sarah Crossan is one of my favouite authors. I’ve mentioned her in several of my blog posts (including my list of auto-buy authors). I’d say she’s one of the most well-known names in the YA verse novel world, with several successful books under her belt, including the award-winning One. Her books cover all sorts of themes from family trauma and relationships, grief, homelessness, and more – but among the heavy themes there are also feelings of hope, community, and fitting in.
The main reason I recommend Sarah Crossan’s books is because of how much they vary. I guarantee you’ll find at least one of her books that you love! Here are some of the ones I’ve reviewed:
- One, a story of conjoined twins who are faced with a life-changing decision
- We Come Apart (co-written by Brian Conaghan), about two troubled teens whose paths cross in the unlikeliest of places
- Moonrise (pictured above), about a boy whose brother is on Death Row
- Toffee, a story of a teenager who runs away from her abusive dad and forms an unlikely friendship with an old lady with dementia
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
A newer book on the YA verse novel scene, Black Flamingo follows a Cypriot-British teenage boy through his life as he deals with his family, his race, friendships, and coming to terms with his sexuality. From wanting a Barbie doll as a kid to realising he’s a bit different as a teenager, he finds himself going to university and feeling at home when joins a drag society and steps into the limelight for the first time as his shining drag persona, the Black Flamingo.
This book is a must-read for teens, adults, and everyone else too. It’ll make you feel so many emotions, and you’ll also see so much of yourself in some of the characters. It’s definitely worth reading if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, because it’ll show you that you’re not alone, you’re not different, and you’re truly loved for who you are – whoever that might be. You can read my full review here.
Goodnight, Boy by Nikki Sheehan
Goodnight, Boy is a tragic, comical, and hopeful story about the everlasting friendship between a boy and his dog. The kennel has been JC’s home ever since his new adoptive father locked him inside. For hours on end, JC sits and tells his dog Boy how he came to this country: his family; the orphanage and the Haitian earthquake that swept everything away.
This book will shatter your heart into a million pieces and then sew it back together again. It makes you feel a whole mixture of emotions, from sadness and anger to humour and hope. The reason I recommend this one for verse novel beginners is because the book alternates between traditional prose and verse, so if you haven’t read a whole novel in verse before, it’s a great way to start. Read my whole review here.
Have you read any verse novels before? I’d love to know which ones you’d recommend! If you want a ton of recommendations for both adults and teens/young adults, scroll down to the bottom of this Wikipedia article where you’ll find plenty. It’s a little bit outdated, but there are still loads on there!
(I also talk about verse novels quite a bit on my YouTube channel, so why not head over and subscribe?)
