Books About Poetry · 802 titles considered

The Best Poetry Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about poetry? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poetry

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga

A girl leaves Syria for America, facing new challenges and discovering herself.

Newbery Medal (2020)

342 pages· 30,125 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 35,356 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Jude's world shifts when she leaves Syria for Cincinnati, leaving family behind. Navigating a new culture, she grapples with her identity as 'Middle Eastern' and the chaos of American life. Amidst the noise, Jude finds unexpected friendships and a chance to shine in a school musical. Can she find a place where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Medal (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2015)

366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

The Poet X

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young poet battles silence and tradition to find her voice in Harlem.

357 pages· 32,942 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 145,041 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teen in Harlem, feels trapped by her family's strict expectations and her own unspoken desires. Her secret love for poetry becomes a lifeline, especially after meeting Aman, a boy her family must never know about. When invited to join a slam poetry club, Xiomara faces a choice: stay silent or risk everything to be heard. Will she defy her mother's rules and embrace her true self, or will fear keep her words hidden? In a world that tries to silence her, Xiomara's voice demands to be heard.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2019

Shout

By Laurie Halse Anderson

A poetic memoir challenges societal silence on sexual assault.

304 pages· 27,174 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 22,395 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: In a powerful memoir, Laurie Halse Anderson uses free verse to confront society's silence on sexual assault. Through personal stories and calls to action, she challenges readers to listen and speak out. As she reflects on her own experiences, Anderson's words become a rallying cry for change, urging everyone to join the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Will her voice inspire a new wave of courage and truth?

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2007

Impulse

By Ellen Hopkins · Book #1 in the Impulse series

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

666 pages· 55,726 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 83,202 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Summary: Vanessa, Tony, and Conner find themselves at Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital, after each attempted to end their life. Vanessa hides behind a facade, Tony seeks solace in pills, and Conner battles inner turmoil despite a seemingly perfect life. As they confront their pasts and demons, they must decide if they can help each other find a path to healing. Will they seize this second chance, or will their struggles consume them? Their intertwined journeys reveal the power of friendship and resilience in the face of despair.

Sale price

$2850

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2020

Clap When You Land

By Elizabeth Acevedo

Two teens discover each other after their father's tragic plane crash.

595 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 111,566 ratings

$30.00Save 5%

Summary: Camino Rios eagerly awaits her father's arrival in the Dominican Republic, only to find heartbreak at the airport. In New York, Yahaira Rios is shattered by the news of her father's death. As they grapple with grief, a shocking revelation emerges: they are sisters. Separated by distance and secrets, Camino and Yahaira must navigate a new reality, questioning everything they knew about their father and themselves. Can they find connection amidst the chaos, or will the truth drive them further apart? Dive into a poignant tale of loss, discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Sale price

$1615

Picture Book · Ages 12–18 · 2005

A Wreath for Emmett Till

By Marilyn Nelson, Philippe Lardy (Illustrator)

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

48 pages· 1,527 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,508 ratings

$17.00Save 5%

Summary: In 1955, Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American, was brutally murdered, sparking national outrage. His story, told through poignant poetry, challenges us to confront and speak out against ongoing injustices. How can one boy's tragic end inspire a fight for change?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Unsettled

By Reem Faruqi

A girl navigates a new life in America, facing cultural challenges and sibling rivalry in her quest for belonging.

352 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,802 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Nurah moves from Karachi to Georgia, struggling to fit in with her accent and attire. In the pool, she finds solace and ambition, aiming to outshine her brother, Owais. But a moment of betrayal alters their paths. As Nurah battles bullies and self-doubt, she discovers her strength and the courage to stand up for herself. Will she find her place in this unfamiliar world, or will her choices haunt her? Dive into this heartfelt tale of family, identity, and the quest for belonging.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 11–15

The Crossover

By Kwame Alexander · Book #1 in the The Crossover series

A young basketball player navigates his relationships with his family and friends while learning valuable life lessons on and off the court

240 pages· 16,738 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 71,496 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

The Canyon's Edge

By Dusti Bowling

A girl battles nature and inner demons to survive a desert disaster.

320 pages· 19,492 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,360 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Nora's quest for peace in the Arizona desert turns into a fight for survival when a flash flood separates her from her father. Alone, she faces deadly wildlife and the haunting Beast of her nightmares. Can Nora conquer her fears and find her father, or will the desert claim them both? Her journey is a test of courage and resilience, pushing her to confront the past and embrace a new future.

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Browse by age

Poetry Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about poetry for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$1999

All the World

Ages 3–8 · 2009

Experience a day of life's simple joys and connections.

Sale price

$899

Tomie's Little Mother Goose

Ages 1–3 · 1997

Discover timeless nursery rhymes that enchant and delight young minds.

Sale price

$899

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Ages 1–2 · 1989

A family embarks on a thrilling adventure to find a bear. What awaits them in the dark cave?

Sale price

$1299

Near

Ages 0–4 · 2021

A child discovers they are never alone in the world.

Sale price

$899

The Night Before Christmas

Ages 0–3

Sale price

$899

Mary Had a Little Jam

Ages 1–7 · 2004

Discover new adventures with classic nursery rhyme characters in a world of laughter and fun.

Sale price

$999

My First Winnie-the-Pooh

Ages 0–3 · 2002

Discover timeless verses and charming illustrations of a beloved bear.

Sale price

$799

Tumble Bumble

Ages 0–4 · 1992

A tiny bug's walk leads to unexpected friendships with various creatures.

Sale price

$1195

The Upside Down Boy

Ages 1–5 · 2006

A boy navigates a new school, feeling upside down in a world of unfamiliarity.

Sale price

$799

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover a lullaby's magic as animal parents sing their young to sleep under a twinkling star.

Sale price

$799

My First Mother Goose

Ages 3–5 · 1985

Discover timeless nursery rhymes with beloved characters in a beautifully illustrated collection.

Sale price

$999

It Had to Be You

Ages 0–4 · 2021

A journey of love leads parents to their perfect little one.

View all poetry board books

Browse by age

Poetry Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about poetry for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$1999

A Light in the Attic

Ages 5–9 · 1981

A collection of humorous and whimsical poems for children.

Sale price

$1999

The Missing Piece

Ages 6–9 · 1976

A quest for fulfillment leads to unexpected discoveries.

Sale price

$2299

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Ages 6–10 · 1974

A collection of humorous and whimsical poems for children

Sale price

$1599

My Parents Think I'm Sleeping

Ages 6–8 · 1985

A child's nighttime adventures begin when the lights go out.

Sale price

$799

Casey Back at Bat

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A failed sports hero gets a second chance to redeem himself. Can he succeed?

Sale price

$1699

Día de los Muertos

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Celebrate life and honor the departed with vibrant Day of the Dead traditions.

Sale price

$1799

Box

Ages 10–13 · 2020

A man risks everything to escape slavery by mailing himself to freedom.

Sale price

$1895

Explosion at the Poem Factory

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A poem factory explosion threatens the future of poetry. Can creativity survive?

Sale price

$2499

My Very First Mother Goose

Ages 2–5 · 1996

Rediscover timeless rhymes that enchant and delight across generations.

Sale price

$1799

The Night Before Christmas

Ages 4–7 · 1823

Santa's magical visit fills stockings and hearts on Christmas Eve.

Sale price

$1699

Chicken Lily

Ages 4–7 · 2016

A timid chicken faces her fears at a school poetry jam.

Sale price

$1899

Hurry Up!

Ages 0–8 · 2020

A boy and his dog discover the joy of slowing down in a fast-paced world.

View all poetry picture books

Browse by age

Poetry Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about poetry for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1699

Rebound

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A summer with grandparents changes young Charlie's life through basketball and family secrets.

Sale price

$1999

Long Way Down

Ages 14–18 · 2017

A boy faces a life-altering choice in an elevator ride haunted by ghosts of the past.

Sale price

$899

Out of the Dust

Ages 10–15 · 1997

A girl seeks solace amidst dust storms and personal tragedy.

Sale price

$1899

The Playbook

Ages 10–12 · 2017

Discover life's rules through inspiring stories and wisdom from iconic figures.

Sale price

$1099

Crank

Ages 14–18 · 2004

A perfect daughter spirals into chaos after meeting a dangerous addiction.

Sale price

$1699

Becoming Muhammad Ali

Ages 8–12 · 2020

Discover how a stolen bike led a young Cassius Clay to become Muhammad Ali.

Sale price

$1699

Inside Out & Back Again

Ages 8–12 · 2011

A young girl flees war-torn Vietnam, seeking hope in America.

Sale price

$1995

Becoming Billie Holiday

Ages 9–12 · 2008

A young singer's voice rises above poverty and hardship to become legendary.

Sale price

$1799

The New Kid on the Block

Ages 6–10 · 1984

Dive into whimsical poems of odd creatures and curious adventures.

Sale price

$999

Love That Dog

Ages 8–12 · 2001

A boy discovers his voice through poetry, guided by a teacher and a dog.

Sale price

$899

Locomotion

Ages 11–16 · 2003

An orphaned boy uses poetry to cope and reunite with his sister.

Sale price

$799

The Lightning Dreamer

Ages 12–18 · 2013

A young poet defies societal norms and fights against slavery in 19th-century Cuba.

View all poetry chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about father-daughter relationships Books about prejudice and racism Books about survival stories Books about activism Books about basketball Books about coming of age Books about coping with death Books about courage

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poetry

Great books, picked for their age.

Poetry Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Poetry Picture Books

Poetry Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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