Our favourite poetry books (teens)
Check out our favourite poetry books for younger children aged teens.
Poetry can be great to broaden reading horizons, as well as truly engaging for reluctant readers. Here are some poetry books your teenager is sure to love and want to read out loud.
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The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Interest level: 13+
Reading age: 13+
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The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Interest level: 13+
Reading age: 13+
Xiomara, a teenage girl of Dominican heritage, is starting to notice boys, but her strict Catholic parents have decided on no cont…
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We Come Apart
Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
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We Come Apart
Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
Written in free verse, this dual narrative story goes straight to the heart of Jess and Nicu’s friendship, exploring their f…
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Does Your Face Fit?
Author: Various Editor: Roger Stevens
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
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Does Your Face Fit?
Author: Various Editor: Roger Stevens
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
This thought-proving collection of poems explores everyday issues that affect young people today
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Overheard in a Tower Block
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Interest level: 10-14
Reading age: 10-14
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Overheard in a Tower Block
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Interest level: 10-14
Reading age: 10-14
Recounting the childhood of a child living in a city tower block, many of these poems are sad or angry and bristle with an edgines…
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A Change Is Gonna Come
Author: Various
Interest level: 12-15
Reading age: 12+
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A Change Is Gonna Come
Author: Various
Interest level: 12-15
Reading age: 12+
This must-have anthology featuring stories and poems from 12 black, Asian and minority ethnic authors deals with the subject of ch…
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A Light Song of Light
Author: Kei Miller
Interest level: 14+
Reading age: 14+
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A Light Song of Light
Author: Kei Miller
Interest level: 14+
Reading age: 14+
A Light Song of Light is full of beautiful, graceful poems ruminating on Miller’s various identities: teacher, immigrant, ga…
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The Weight of Water
Author: Sarah Crossan
Interest level: 11+
Reading age: 9+
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The Weight of Water
Author: Sarah Crossan
Interest level: 11+
Reading age: 9+
This beautiful book is written in verse and captures 13-year-old Kasienka’s emotions and experiences perfectly
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Rhythm and Poetry
Author: Karl Nova Illustrator: Joseph Witchall
Interest level: 11-16
Reading age: 11+
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Rhythm and Poetry
Author: Karl Nova Illustrator: Joseph Witchall
Interest level: 11-16
Reading age: 11+
The author’s passion for words and music leaps off the page in this stunning, relevant and accessible book from award-winning hip …
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The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings
Author:
Interest level: 14+
Reading age: 14+
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The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings
Author:
Interest level: 14+
Reading age: 14+
This selection of Poe's short fiction demonstrates his intense interest in aesthetic issues and the astonishing power and imaginat…
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Apple and Rain
Author: Sarah Crossan
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
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Apple and Rain
Author: Sarah Crossan
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 12+
Engrossing and uplifting, challenging and charming, Apple and Rain brings fiction and poetry together in a well-crafted story abou…
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Rising Stars: New Young Voices in Poetry
Author: Various Illustrator: Riya Chowdhury Elanor Chuah and Joe Manners
Interest level: 10+
Reading age: 10+
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Rising Stars: New Young Voices in Poetry
Author: Various Illustrator: Riya Chowdhury Elanor Chuah and Joe Manners
Interest level: 10+
Reading age: 10+
A new collection of poems from five young poets, all aged 26 and under. This selection of exciting and inspiring poems from y…
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Red, Cherry Red
Author: Jackie Kay
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 11+
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Red, Cherry Red
Author: Jackie Kay
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 11+
Truthful, soulful and witty poems in this collection explore a theme of identity. Who are we? What reveals us? Is our identity bou…
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Where Zebras Go
Author: Sue Hardy-Dawson
Interest level: 10-13
Reading age: 10+
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Where Zebras Go
Author: Sue Hardy-Dawson
Interest level: 10-13
Reading age: 10+
An exciting debut collection of poems inspired by myths, fairy tales and the natural world. With its playful sense of humour, it c…
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