Poetry

These excellent middle grade and YA titles use poetry to get at the heart of kids’ experiences. Share them for National Poetry Month and beyond.

These collections gather poems about nature, imagination, and creativity. Share them with young readers to open up a world of possibilities.

This year, the committee recognized twelve outstanding books of poetry and nine novels in verse as 2025 Notable Books. These selections emphasize inclusiveness and diversity, showcasing a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

From a bilingual book about Cuba to a graphic novel poetry collection, these diverse titles are sure to delight a wide range of young readers.

Caregivers can read these poems to children to help them on their journey to slumber.

The world lost poet, author, and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni on Monday, but her impact and legacy live on in her writing.

The best poems educate with their facts and inspire with their beautiful flow of words. These 11 titles contain poems that do both exceptionally for young readers of all ages. 

SLJ will reveal the 193 titles selected for this year's Best Books list starting November 19 and culminating November 25 with a live webcast.

As we gear up to a presidential election, these titles can help young readers to better understand the past, present, and future of the voting process.