Verse novels

In this delightful gift edition, J M Barrie’s classic tale about the boy who wouldn’t grow up is simplified and told entirely in verse, while still retaining the magical joy of the original. 

Shortlisted for the 2004 Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (age 6–8 category), an exploration of an unlikely friendship between two very different boys.

Set in prehistoric Ireland during an endless winter, Fia and her snow deer set out on a perilous adventure to find the Deer Mother and bring warmth and hope back to her people.

Estie feels her truth is unheard when she is expelled from school and sent to Scotland for the summer. When she discovers a secret story from the past, she gains the confidence to find her own lost voice. 

Emmy is in a new city and new school and has just discovered computer coding. But why are people in class keeping secrets? This verse novel brilliantly combines poetry, music and coding with a coming-of-age story and a celebration of girls in STEM. 

If you have ever wondered what goes on in a dog’s mind, this verse novel could be the closest you ever come to finding out! Be prepared to feel angry, sad, vengeful and elated – and maybe even to cry just a bit.

When he falls out with his best friend and then his little brother is rushed into hospital, Nate’s world is turned upside-down. This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse and accompanied by thoughtful illustrations, is an emotional read.

When Ani follows her neighbour Nando on one of his secret, nocturnal excursions, she meets a remarkable creature who captures her heart. Written in lyrical free verse, this tender novel skilfully explores themes of friendship, nature and the complex emotions of a family break-up. 

Can Eshe and the queen stop Creeping Beauty from taking over all of Mythica with her vines and thorns? Original, fun and deliciously magical.

Facing bullies at school and feeling lonely at home, Frances embarks on an investigation to figure out why her sister’s hair is falling out in this beautiful, poignant verse novel.

A wonderful coming of age verse novel set in Australia, interweaving poetry, growing up and history. 

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.

At the end of Year 8, Alfie has a long summer ahead of him. He misses his mum terribly. So Alfie gets on his bike and rides and rides and rides. But then a broken pedal means that he has to connect with someone who also loved his mum … An incredibly moving verse novel with beautiful illustrations.

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

Written in verse, Long Way Down is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular. You almost read it without breathing; the action is so tense, the language so powerful. Give it to every teenager you know!

Sammy wants a new life in Europe, while Natalie wants to escape the realities of her life in the UK. A powerful and hard-hitting verse novel for older readers.

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.

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.

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.