I adored poetry when I was child. First, the rhymical lines of Dr. Suess. Later, the funny poems of Shell Silverstein. And eventually, the more moving poetry I encountered in my English classes.

But as I continued in my schooling, the purpose of poetry became focused on analysis and evaluation, rather than savoring and enjoying them. 

It looks me a while to find my love of people again, but poets like Cleo Wade and Amanda Gorman have reminded me of its power as an adult.

As an parent and educator, I purposefully place beautiful books of poetry, prose and verse into students’ hands with liberal freedom to feel and breathe and live the poems, rather than dissecting them. 

And I think many teachers and adults need the same. 

That’s why I’ve compiled some of my favorite middle grade and young adult poetry and verse books to share with you today.

Here are ten poetry and verse books I think every adult needs to read.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

The story follows Jude and her mother as they leave their beloved Syria to stay with family in Cincinnati to escape the growing violence in their hometown. You feel Jude’s confusion, you feel her fear, you feel her sadness, but above all, you feel her hope.

Can I Touch Your Hair? by Irene Latham

Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners.

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

ZJ is a 12-year old boy adjusting to his father’s mysterious illness after playing professional football and suffering multiple concussions. The story explores boyhood joy, changing family dynamics and feelings of uncertainty about what’s to come.

The Road to After by Rebekah Lowell

Lacey and her family are literally kept hostage in their home by an abusive father for many years. Propelled by a frightening chain of events, Lacey’s mother finds the courage to leave with the help of family and Lacey is suddenly thrust into a new, unrecognizable life.

The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel

Quijana is a twelve year old girl who doesn’t know where she fits in at home, at school and in her own skin. She struggles to express what she feels on the inside to those that matter most and makes regretful choices in the process, but perhaps she’ll discover her missing half.

This Promise of Change by Jo Ann Allen Boyce & Debbie Levy

Jo Ann Allen is one of the twelve students to desegregate Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1956. This book chronicles her four months thrust into the national spotlight and as a trailblazer in history.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Camino and Yahaira both lose their father on the passenger flight that crashed en route to Santo Domingo from JFK on November 12, 2001. But they are shocked to later discover they are actually sisters as they learn the secrets of their father’s life and the new bonds they share.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Lyrically told in verse, Fipps tells Ellie’s story of heartbreaking bullying for her size, her internal struggle to find her own self-worth and her quest to claim her deserved space in her family and in the world.

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Ha is forced to leave Saigon, the only home she has ever known, with her father to escape the Vietnam War. In America, Ha discovers the newness and challenges of Alabama and just how strong her family is.

Knockout by K. A. Holt

Levi had a serious respiratory disease that left him with a very overprotective family and a class reputation. But when he finds boxing, every changes. But how can he tell his mother and convince his family to send him to an elite boxing school to find out who he really is?

There you have it! Ten poetry and verse books that every adult, and especially every teacher, should read. What books should I add to my list? Share them in the comments below!