📚 Top Teen Poetry Books to Add to Your TBR
Discover the best young adult poetry books to add to your TBR—from powerful verse novels to quirky, funny collections for every kind of teen reader.
Looking to explore powerful, relatable, and emotionally charged poetry? Whether you’re a teen, an educator, or simply a fan of young adult literature, these top teen and young adult poetry collections deserve a spot on your TBR (To Be Read) list. 🌟 These books capture themes like identity, love, trauma, healing, and empowerment—perfect for both new and seasoned poetry readers.
📖 1. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Why it’s a must-read: This award-winning novel-in-verse follows Xiomara Batista, a Dominican-American teen who discovers slam poetry as a way to express herself and confront her world. Elizabeth Acevedo’s lyrical voice makes this a must-have in every teen’s collection.
- Theme: Identity, religion, feminism
- Perfect for: Fans of spoken word and coming-of-age stories
📚 2. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Acevedo delivers again with a dual narrative in verse that explores grief, family secrets, and sisterhood after a tragedy brings two half-sisters together. Emotional and raw, it’s a poetic experience you won’t forget.
🖋️ 3. Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lai
This National Book Award winner tells the story of Hà, a young Vietnamese girl who flees war-torn Saigon to settle in Alabama. Told entirely in verse, this powerful narrative is both intimate and universal.
🔥 4. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Fast-paced and haunting, this book takes place over 60 seconds—inside an elevator—as a teen decides whether to avenge his brother’s death. This novel-in-verse is unforgettable and perfect for reluctant readers too.
🌼 5. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
Former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s debut collection is a stunning and honest look at America, youth, and hope. Perfect for teens ready to explore more sophisticated themes through poetry.
🌈 6. Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo
A lyrical journey into belonging, identity, and magic. This novel-in-verse tells the story of Nima, a Muslim teen straddling cultures and discovering hidden truths about her past—and herself.
💔 7. Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh
This coming-of-age novel-in-verse follows Ada as she enters college and explores her identity, sexuality, and inherited trauma. A beautiful blend of dance, poetry, and personal truth.
🚀 8. Sanctum Eclipse by Angel Favazza
Bold and otherworldly, Sanctum Eclipse is a science fiction poetry collection that delves into humanity’s relationship with space, time, and existence. Favazza uses lyrical intensity and deep imagination to examine our role in the universe. A must-read for fans of sci-fi with a philosophical edge.
🌌 9. Flashes in the Sky (Scifaiku) by Angel Favazza
This collection of Scifaiku—science fiction-inspired haiku—is both prophetic and minimalist. In Flashes in the Sky, Favazza distills vast, speculative ideas into three-line poems that provoke thought and wonder. It’s perfect for poetry lovers who enjoy sci-fi with style.
🌳 10. The Twisted Oak by Angel Favazza
Spiritual and imaginative, The Twisted Oak explores modern-day truths through a mystical and symbolic lens. Favazza’s vivid poetry invites readers into a deeply introspective journey, offering insight into the human spirit, emotion, and transformation.
👑 Meet Rupi Kaur: The Queen of Instagram Poetry for Today’s Teens 📸
A breakout literary phenomenon and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Rupi Kaur wrote, illustrated, and self-published her first poetry collection, Milk and Honey in 2014. Next came its artistic siblings The Sun and Her Flowers and Home Body, both debuting at #1 on bestseller lists across the world. These collections have sold more than 11 million copies and have been translated into over 43 languages. Most recently in 2022, Kaur released her 4th book Healing Through Words which is a journey of guided writing exercises to help the reader explore their creativity. 💖
📘 Milk and Honey
Rupi Kaur’s debut poetry collection broke the mold for modern poetry with its raw vulnerability and minimalist style. Milk and Honey explores themes of love, trauma, healing, and femininity through accessible, Instagram-style poems that resonate with young readers and adults alike.
🌻 The Sun and Her Flowers
This follow-up to Milk and Honey dives deeper into self-love, growth, ancestry, heartbreak, and resilience. Kaur’s signature visual style and honest voice continue to captivate fans around the world.
🏠 Home Body
Written during a period of intense self-reflection, Home Body is a heartfelt collection focused on mental health, loneliness, acceptance, and inner peace. Kaur’s poetic evolution shines through in this intimate work—perfect for teen readers navigating identity and healing.
📚 Why teens love Rupi Kaur: Her poetry is emotional, empowering, and approachable. With relatable content and short form, her books are ideal for young adults discovering poetry for the first time.
🛍️ Explore all her poetry collections on RupiKaur.com
🌟 Bonus Picks for Poetry-Lovers
- Light Filters In by Caroline Kaufman – Bite-sized poems for healing and self-love.
- Poemsia by Lang Leav – A blend of fiction and poetry for aspiring poets.
- Take Me With You When You Go by David Levithan & Jennifer Niven – A powerful epistolary novel that reads like poetry.
💬 Why Read YA Poetry?
Young adult poetry offers readers a bridge between storytelling and lyrical expression. It’s accessible, deeply emotional, and often explores real-world issues like mental health, racism, gender identity, and loss—making it both therapeutic and thought-provoking.
📌 Add These YA Poetry Books to Your TBR Today!
If you’re an educator, librarian, or parent, these teen and young adult poetry books are perfect for classroom libraries, book clubs, or one-on-one recommendations. Teens today crave authenticity, and these collections deliver just that—with rhythm and resonance.
🛒 Don’t forget to check your local bookstore, library, or ebook provider to grab a copy!
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📣 What’s On Your YA Poetry TBR?
Have you read any of these titles? If so, consider sharing which poetry books have left a lasting impression on you. 💬
