10 Underrated Novels in Verse You Need to Read

Novels in verse, also known as verse novels, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These unique works of literature use poetry to tell a story, offering a fresh and innovative approach to storytelling. This genre allows for a greater focus on the emotions and inner thoughts of the characters, creating a powerful and often visceral reading experience. 

While some novels in verse have gained widespread acclaim and popularity, there are many underrated works in this genre that are equally deserving of recognition. In this list, I'll highlight 10 of the most underrated novels in verse that you should add to your reading list, from stories of survival and self-discovery to tales of love, loss, and family. These novels feature diverse perspectives and experiences and offer a fresh and innovative approach to storytelling, proving that poetry can be a powerful tool for exploring the human experience.

1. Ask Me How I Got Here by Christine Hepperman

Ask Me How I Got Here is a powerful novel in verse that explores a high school student's struggles with identity, sexuality, and the pressure to conform. The main character, Addie, is a talented artist and a star on the track team, but she feels lost and alone. As she begins to question her place in the world, she turns to poetry to express her innermost thoughts and feelings.

2. Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Glimpse is a haunting novel in verse that tells the story of a teenage girl with dissociative identity disorder. The main character, Hope, is struggling to come to terms with the traumatic events of her past, which have caused her to develop multiple personalities. Through poetry, Hope explores the different parts of herself and the memories that haunt her.

3. The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

The Red Pencil is a poignant novel in verse that follows a young Sudanese girl's journey of survival and self-discovery. Amira dreams of going to school and becoming a teacher, but her life is turned upside down when her village is attacked and she is forced to flee with her family. Through her poetry, Amira finds a way to cope with the trauma of her experiences and to hold on to hope for the future.

4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X is a powerful novel in verse that explores the life of a teenage girl in Harlem as she finds her voice through slam poetry. Xiomara feels trapped by her strict religious upbringing and her overbearing mother, but when she discovers slam poetry, she realizes that she has a talent for expressing herself in a way that she never could before.

5. In the Key of Nira Ghani by Natasha Deen

In the Key of Nira Ghani is a heartfelt novel in verse that follows a Canadian teenager's struggles with identity, family, and cultural expectations. Nira feels torn between her Indian heritage and her desire to fit in with her Canadian peers. Through poetry, she explores her complicated feelings and begins to find a way to embrace both sides of her identity.

6. Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Love and Leftovers is a sweet and romantic novel in verse that explores a teenage girl's relationships, both romantic and familial, during a summer of change. Marcie is forced to move to a new city with her mother, leaving behind her boyfriend and her best friend. As she adjusts to her new life, she finds herself falling for a new boy and grappling with the complexities of love and friendship.

7. Requiem: Poems of the Terezin Ghetto by Paul B. Janeczko

Requiem is a haunting collection of poems in verse that reflect the experiences of Jewish prisoners in the Terezin concentration camp during World War II. These powerful poems offer a glimpse into the lives of those who suffered and died in the camp, and serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors.

8. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Out of the Dust is a novel in verse by Karen Hesse that tells the story of a young girl named Billie Jo Kelby, who lives in Oklahoma during the Great Depression. The novel follows Billie Jo as she struggles to cope with the loss of her mother, her difficult relationship with her father, and the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl on her family's farm. Through Billie Jo's poetry, the reader experiences the harsh realities of life during this time period, as well as her personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity. This is a powerful and poignant story that captures the spirit of the American people during one of the country's most difficult periods.

9. Red Butterfly by A.L. Sonnichsen

Red Butterfly by A.L. Sonnichsen is a novel in verse that tells the story of Kara, a young girl who was born in China and was adopted by an American family when she was just a baby. As Kara grows up, she becomes increasingly curious about her birth mother and the circumstances that led to her adoption. With the help of her American mother and a Chinese friend, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past. Along the way, Kara must confront difficult questions about identity, belonging, and the complex relationships between China and the United States. This is a moving and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of family, culture, and the universal desire to understand where we come from.

10. Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Audacity by Melanie Crowder is a novel in verse based on the true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Jewish immigrant who became a leading figure in the American labor movement. Set in New York City in the early 20th century, the novel follows Clara as she navigates the challenges of life in a new country, including poverty, discrimination, and the expectations of her traditional family. Despite these obstacles, Clara becomes involved in the garment workers' strike of 1909, advocating for better working conditions and higher wages. Through Clara's poetry, the reader experiences the excitement and energy of the labor movement, as well as the personal sacrifices and risks that came with standing up for one's beliefs. Audacity is a powerful and inspiring story of a young woman who refused to be silenced and fought tirelessly for justice and equality.