Our favourite poetry books for teens

A fantastic collection of poems reflecting real life that will have readers coming back to it again and again. 

Matt Goodfellow​’s powerful poetry follows a teenager’sjourney as he navigates the emotional highs and lows of secondary school. 

Recounting the childhood of a child living in a city tower block, many of these poems are sad or angry and bristle with an edginess that young teens may find refreshing when compared to other poetry aimed at them.

It’s 1988 and Charlie Bell is 12 and going through the hardest time in his life. But while staying with his grandparents, he is introduced to basketball and jazz – and everything changes. Rebound is funny, moving and almost impossible not to read in one sitting.

A new collection of poems from five young poets, all aged 26 and under. This selection of exciting and inspiring poems from young talent is guaranteed to get young minds working, and hopefully writing poetry of their own. 

An exciting debut collection of poems inspired by myths, fairy tales and the natural world. With its playful sense of humour, it can genuinely be described as a page-turner.

The author’s passion for words and music leaps off the page in this stunning, relevant and accessible book from award-winning hip hop poet Karl Nova, which may well inspire readers to pick up a pen or a microphone and have a go at writing.

This beautiful book is written in verse and captures 13-year-old Kasienka’s emotions and experiences perfectly

An internationally acclaimed performance poet and YouTube phenomenon, Thakur writes with passion and conviction about everyday life alongside wider social issues, reminding us that they are intricately linked: the personal is political, after all.

Engrossing and uplifting, challenging and charming, Apple and Rain brings fiction and poetry together in a well-crafted story about growing up and learning to love.

In nineteenth-century Ghana, Kofi loves swimming and wants to talk to the beautiful Ama. But he has to fight for his life after a sudden death occurs. A deeply compelling, vital read.

From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip reluctant readers from page one.

This must-have anthology featuring stories and poems from 12 black, Asian and minority ethnic authors deals with the subject of change with wit, emotion and moments that will make you stop in your tracks.

Theo’s search for his father intertwines with the journey of Theseus towards his father. Each boy works out what it is to be a man. A powerful verse novel with stunning illustrations.

Written in free verse, this dual narrative story goes straight to the heart of Jess and Nicu’s friendship, exploring their feelings with immediacy and heart. Readers will be rooting for their star-crossed romance from the beginning.

Fearless verse for the times when you need a friendly, wise voice. Feminist, inclusive and warm – this must-have collection of poems will speak to all teens.

This is a book that goes straight into your heart and once it is there, won’t leave. One is a brilliant, beautiful, and heart-wrenching novel that is not to be missed.

Xiomara, a teenage girl of Dominican heritage, is starting to notice boys, but her strict Catholic parents have decided on no contact with the opposite sex until marriage. A verse novel that sings with the rhythms of slam poetry, this is powerful and affecting.

In the stupendously illustrated verse novel, Lita Judge looks at the facts behind the real life of Mary Shelley: an important woman, feminist and writer. It’s a heart-wrenching read in parts, and a deeply inspiring one in others.