April is National Poetry Month and 2021 is the 25th anniversary of this celebration. There are a lot of different types of poetry: rhymed, free verse, haiku, novels in verse, and more. Poetry plays an important role in our culture with millions of readers from young to old.
Novels in verse are growing in popularity in Young Adult literature. They are novels written in a hybrid form, the story told through poetry. The novels use white space on the page to add to the drama and narrative of the story. To make finding these novels easier, the YA staff marks the spines of these books with a “Novels in Verse” sticker; look for these when browsing the shelves in the Teen Room. 
Here are a few novels in verse we recommend:
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
This intense story only spans one minute and a couple seconds. William sets out to avenge his brother’s murder. While in the elevator of his apartment building, seven ghosts who knew William’s brother show up and expose secrets that Will needs to know.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Michael is a mixed-race gay teen in London who has never felt Greek or Black enough. When he is older and comes out, he starts the journey of learning who he really is and where he belongs.
House Arrest by K.A. Holt
Timothy is on probation for the next year. He has to check in weekly with an officer and a therapist; and keep a journal for the entire time. He is also required to stay out of trouble, which turns out to be difficult as Timothy has to take severe measures to help out his family. This middle school story is touching and funny.
Library Link Long Way Down
Library Link Black Flamingo
Library Link House Arrest