After Karen Hesse’s moving verse novel Out of the Dust about the Oklahoma dust bowl and the Great Depression won a Newbery Medal in 1998, a variety of verse novels have been published for young adult readers. This contemporary genre combines the power of narrative with the rich, evocative language of verse. Of course, some verse novels contain ordinary verse and little plot, but the best free verse novels are beautifully crafted, convincing reading experiences with a strong sense of voice.

Although the narrative structure of a verse novel is similar to a prose novel, the organisation of story is usually in a series of short sections, often with changing perspectives. Verse novels are often told with multiple narrators, providing readers with a cinematic view into the inner workings of characters’ minds. Most verse novels employ an informal, colloquial register.

Verse novels can be used in many different ways in the classroom. They are an effective way of introducing poetry into the lives of students. They are ideal to share in small groups and provide students with wonderful opportunities for performance work. Verse novels are also a great stimulus for poetry writing.

Thinking about using a verse novel? Share some of these titles with your students:

Love that Dog Sharon Creech	By the River Steven Herrick
Witness Karen Hesse	The Simple Gift Steven Herrick
Jinx Margaret Wild	One Night Margaret Wild
Volcano Boy Libby Hathorn	Out of the Dust Karen Hesse
A Place Like This Steven Herrick	Stop Pretending Sonya Stones