Related
Fifteen outstanding books of poetry and seven novels in verse have been recognized as 2024 Notable Books. Selections include a range of formats—lively nonfiction, fantasy, and moving verse novels—written by familiar poets and debut authors.
From poems about planets and trees to poems about LGBTQIA+ heroes, young readers from elementary through high school will find something to enjoy here. Share these titles for National Poetry Month and all year long.
An excellent addition to poetry collections, this volume will excite and engage, and—most importantly
Recommended for poetry collections, although it is best suited for guided reading.
Put this book of poems in the hands of talented science teachers.
A heartwarming and nerve-racking poem that accurately portrays one family’s emotional roller-coaster, told in the voices of its feline and canine companions, and a must-have for libraries.
A validation of self through historical heroes to engage readers in the classroom and at home. This book allows young readers to see that real-life heroes find the ability to make a difference by speaking their minds and letting their truths be known.
The concept of worldwide changes to better support urban wildlife is told through exquisite rhymes wrapped around big, bold blossoms of color that, along with the plentiful learning resources, will captivate readers. A must-have poetry book worthy of close attention.
PREMIUM
Windsongs: Poems About Weather
A unique and accessible title that helps young children connect to weather in a foundational and introductory manner.
PREMIUM
Hope Is the Thing with Feathers
An endearing addition to collections where poetry books are popular, or a suitable choice for National Poetry Month.
This combination of poems and planets is a fun way to introduce readers to both. An excellent purchase, though the full-page gatefolds may limit shelf life.
An excellent collection of poetry that is an insightful read on the Black experience. A great choice for high school libraries and fans of honest and thought-provoking poetry.
A recommended purchase for poetry collections.
Highly recommended. This delightful collection of Irish poetry for children, which includes some familiar poems and others new to discover, will appeal to young and old alike and is perfect for reading aloud. A welcome addition to all classroom and library collections.
This endearing and empowering collection should find a wide audience among all readers, as well as a place in school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Hoop Queens 2
Accessible and appealing short poetry and wordplay, paired with exciting photographs, will draw a wide audience. Librarians and language arts teachers will also appreciate the read-aloud qualities and potential to inspire creative writing units.
An effective, quaint set of poems, this would be a good addition for collections with a high interest in poetry and animal books.
PREMIUM
Poetry Comics
An excellent collection of poetry that connects children with not only the seasons but also their sense of self, too.
Brimming with vibrant, layered poetry and stunningly textured collage art, this ballad for Black girls is a must for all collections.
SLJ's Best Books lists are posting over the next few days. Download the full list!
With beautiful language and imagery, these eight poems teach children everything from animal facts to how to write a poem, while also allowing readers to sit back and have a good laugh.
PREMIUM
You Are Everything
The concept may be a little complicated for younger children to understand completely, but this thought-provoking book will help readers gain mindful insight and inspire a greater awareness of self.
Recommended for libraries serving young adults who are 15 and up, and especially for fans of Gill’s work.
An ideal big book of ebullient resources sure to promote confidence while young imaginations run wild discovering the art of writing poetry.
PREMIUM
We, the Curious Ones
A book of poems that asks philosophical questions to provoke thought, encourage curiosity, and inspire young readers with a new appreciation and understanding about the world around them.
A wonderful addition to any collection, particularly for classrooms or libraries where a focus on social-emotional well-being and community are topics of focus.
A great introduction to dinosaurs for young children. The lively text and colorful illustrations make it a wonderful read-aloud that will engage young readers and ignite their curiosity about these prehistoric creatures. A welcome addition for homes, schools, and libraries.
PREMIUM
The Animals Come Out
Simple, inviting town visits by “wild” animals offer pleasant read-aloud and conversation possibilities.
Engle’s thoughtful, lovely collection is a gift to anyone who has an interest in the breadth of women’s artistic achievements. Much to savor. Highly recommended.
A poetic gem for oversized collections that circulate well. Purchase this title to share daily poems at the reference desk or other display areas.
This collection will resonate with readers who enjoy the poems of Naomi Shihab Nye and the works of Elizabeth Acevedo and will appeal to the poet’s many social media followers.
This unique and accessible volume deserves a place in religious sections or collections with a demonstrated demand for Biblical stories.
Every library shelf should have this poetry book of animals wearing pants, which is a triumph of rhythmic language, vibrant visuals, and hilarious laugh-out-loud illustrations. It’s sure to please any reader.
PREMIUM
Kin: Rooted in Hope
A unique book that will be appreciated by the right readers, especially those familiar with Kwame Alexander’s The Door of No Return.
An appealingly ridiculous book, recommended for poetry and humor fans.
This delightful and idiosyncratic collection will need booktalking to find its audience.
An offering for larger libraries that will “let there be” creativity, innovation, and ideation among readers who enjoy more abstract concepts and movement-inspired illustrations.
Funny, fact-filled, and succinct, this title will have broad appeal beyond the elementary aged audience it is intended for. A recommended first purchase.
A lovely book with a specific purpose that will be welcome as an addition where there is a need for Biblical stories for young children. Pair with Marie-Helene Delval’s Psalms for Young Children and Dandi Daley Mackall’s Psalms for Little Hearts.
Thoughtful readers will relish the figurative language and imagery, and pore over the well-crafted illustrations. An excellent resource for teachers looking to inspire students in an array of topics, from science and nature studies to creative writing.
A lovely picture book that mixes poetry and history about the moon.
Highly recommended for those looking to freshen up their collections of silly poetry.
A powerful, humanistic look at the aftermath of a national tragedy, and an important purchase for modern collections.
With minor tics, an otherwise ideal selection for libraries servicing young children, with a bonus appeal for storytellers.
The titles by Jack Wong, Angeline Boulley, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka earned the annual award in the picture book, fiction and poetry, and nonfiction categories, respectively.
Titles in verse are an especially welcoming genre, blending poetry and storytelling to create immersive experiences for any type of narrative, including fiction, history, memoir, and more. The audiobook format presents these works the way poetry is meant to be enjoyed—out loud.
These works of poetry will inspire children to fight climate change, prepare them for a new sibling, teach them to be courageous and compassionate, and make them think as well as laugh.
This year, members of the committee recognized 12 excellent books of poetry and six novels in verse as 2023 Notable Books. Picks include a range of formats—lively nonfiction, reflective verse, and moving verse novels—written by familiar poets and debut authors.
This collection of 25 poems would make an excellent addition to schools and classroom poetry units, and will encourage and inspire students to try their hand at poetry themselves.
With appealing digital illustrations and a reassuring message, this may be a good option for larger public libraries seeking new books on this ever-popular topic, as well as for Christian caregivers and preschools.
A fun illustrated book for elementary libraries to expand their poetry collections. Perfect where National Poetry Month is regularly celebrated, or for use in units of study on poetry.
PREMIUM
An Earth Song (Petite Poems)
Not essential but a highly recommended addition to both school and public library collections.
A welcome addition to school and public libraries.
A beautiful picture book about acceptance with a flow that would make it perfect for read-alouds; a must-purchase where fun and colorful depictions of these themes are needed.
A fine edition of general poetry for the younger set, enlivened by some especially lovely illustrations.
A great title to introduce curious readers and budding environmentalists to what youth are doing around the world right now to fight global climate change.
Put this multifaceted package on the science shelves, and use it often and variously.
A significant work of children’s literature, this paean to nature and Indigenous culture belongs in every school and public library collection for years to come.
PREMIUM
Tree Whispers
A first purchase for poetry collections, and for environmental collections as well.
A first purchase for all libraries serving young children, this is an outstanding poetry compilation about the meaning of home.
With an enticing mix of playful whimsy and quiet moments, this well-crafted collection of accessible verse and lovely illustrations should appeal to a wide audience.
Both a teaching tool for writing poetry as well as an ode to poetry itself. Highly recommended.
Poetry fans and educators alike will enjoy this bright and cheery collection of floral-focused haiku.
PREMIUM
Dark Testament: Blackout Poems
A compelling and thoughtful read, and a great introduction to blackout poetry. A strong first purchase for libraries.
A robust addition to general poetry collections, sure to appeal to a wide range of poetry lovers.
A STEAM-themed poetry collection that should have broad appeal for young readers and will be a welcome addition to the shelves. Recommended.
The dual thrust should interest fans of Peters’s many other books and may invite or challenge pet lovers, as well as readers and teachers of poetry or science.
This attractive and educational poetry book will be a great addition to poetry and nature study collections.
This edition is an excellent choice for senior high school and undergraduate curriculum that includes educator-assisted lessons on Modernist poetry, but the assertion that it is somehow more comprehensible to all readers is overstated and unconvincing.
PREMIUM
Tales of Whimsy, Verses of Woe
The quirky illustrations cannot save this clumsily written collection. Stick with Silverstein.
Visually stunning artwork combined with character sketches reveal the depth of Native American history in an intriguing way. A good first purchase for libraries.
Secondary schools where there is interest in STEM projects, poetry studies, and women’s issues will benefit by adding this multifaceted title to their library or classroom collection.
PREMIUM
My Grandpa Is the Best!
This short and refreshing collection of the love of family is a worthy purchase for poetry and family-focused collections, due to the diversity of grandfathers and experiences depicted.
A must-purchase for all YA nonfiction collections, Ogle’s work speaks directly to what so many young people experience and offers them hope.
PREMIUM
My Grandma Is the Best!
A worthy purchase for poetry and family-focused collections because of the fun way family love and diversity are depicted with grandmas at the heart.
PREMIUM
The Illustrated Emily Dickinson
Admirable introductions to poetry in general and to these poets in particular.
This unusual and striking double portrayal will appeal to nascent nature-lovers and embryo entrepreneurs.
PREMIUM
The Illustrated Robert Frost
Admirable introductions to poetry in general and to these poets in particular.
A delightful book that amuses and educates. Strong first purchase recommendation.
A delightful introduction to poetry; a valuable potential bonding experience for young children and their caregivers.
School librarians looking for STEAM titles that pair silliness with educational topics in the style of Douglas Florian will love this fun, math-themed poetry collection that joins English language arts and mathematics as a dynamic duo.
A supplementary purchase to invigorate the A in STEAM.
And We Rise, Martin's evocative book-in-verse addressing the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, began as a series of poems about the Jim Crow era.
With humor, sadness, and a bit of irony, this book invites fun and thoughtful uses for readers, classes, and library programs.
PREMIUM
Where Do Wishes Go?: Poems
This insipid and uneven collection falls short as an introduction to poetry for primary grade audiences.
The NCTE Excellence in Children’s Poetry Award Committee has recognized 21 exceptional books of poetry and nine novels in verse in their annual list. Read and evaluated by each member of the committee, these books published in 2021 are notable for their use of language, poetic devices, and their application to children ages three to 13.
A powerful proclamation of resistance and resilience over cultural oppression. Purchase for YA poetry collections, especially where spoken word is in demand.
A charming collection of poetry for budding gardeners. Recommended.
While the poetry and illustrations are artistically appealing, the content and structure may require scaffolding and further explanation. Still, this book could be appreciated by the right audience for one-on-one sharing.
This unique collection will serve as an appealing introduction to poetry for children: reflecting their daily experience to them, bolstering their appreciation of the written word, and perhaps inspiring them to construct poems of their own.
PREMIUM
Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems
A great introduction for reluctant readers who want to learn more about poetry. The interactive elements will work in classrooms and bring an amusing spice to story times.
PREMIUM
Wait and See
A strong first purchase. This book will have very broad appeal to a variety of ages.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
