Our favourite poetry books (teens)

Red, Cherry Red

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. 

Check out our list for 5-8s

Check out our list for 9-12s

  • The Poet X

    Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

    Interest level: 13-18

    Reading age: 13+

    The Poet X

  • The Poet X

    Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

    Interest level: 13-18

    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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  • One

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    One

  • One

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    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-wren…

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  • We Come Apart

    Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    We Come Apart

  • We Come Apart

    Author: Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

    Interest level: 12-16

    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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  • Rebound

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 10-12+

    Reading age: 10+

    Rebound

  • Rebound

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 10-12+

    Reading age: 10+

    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 in…

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  • Does Your Face Fit?

    Author: Various Editor: Roger Stevens

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    Does Your Face Fit?

  • 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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  • Moonrise

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 14-18

    Reading age: 14+

    Moonrise

  • Moonrise

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 14-18

    Reading age: 14+

    Moonrise is the story of teenager Joe and his brother Ed on death row. Written in Sarah Crossan’s pioneering (and now tradema…

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  • Overheard in a Tower Block

    Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

    Overheard in a Tower Block

  • Overheard in a Tower Block

    Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner

    Interest level: 10-14

    Reading age: 10+

    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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  • Rhythm and Poetry

    Author: Karl Nova Illustrator: Joseph Witchall

    Interest level: 11-16

    Reading age: 11+

    Rhythm and Poetry

  • 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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  • Apple and Rain

    Author: Sarah Crossan

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 12+

    Apple and Rain

  • 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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  • Booked

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    Booked

  • Booked

    Author: Kwame Alexander

    Interest level: 12-16

    Reading age: 12+

    From fast-paced football matches to school and family drama, this novel written in verse has something for everyone and will grip …

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  • Red, Cherry Red

    Author: Jackie Kay

    Interest level: 12+

    Reading age: 11+

    Red, Cherry Red

  • 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+

    Where Zebras Go

  • 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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