Tag: Novel In Verse

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: King of Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin

  • King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin
  • Atheneum Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster
  • Publication Date: October 14, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781665973120

Pernell is determined to make the most of his third summer in a row at summer school by becoming this summer’s Cypher King – the leader of the summer school lunchroom informal rap circles. With tape recorder in hand, Pernell records his journey for “future listeners” through freestyling, interviews with friends and family, and stray observations. Throughout, he (and those around him) slowly begin to accept that his ADHD diagnosis which has always been treated like a “problem” might actually be what makes him who he is and his strength as a potential Cypher King. 

Told through a mix of engaging freestyle verse, humorous observations, and thoughtful interactions with parents and friends, Goodwin has created a compelling protagonist that teens will either root for or relate to. Pernell’s journey to embrace his neurodiversity as a strength rather than a weakness never feels preachy or heavy-handed and takes real teen readers’ own issues with teachers and adults who might not understand seriously. Teens will no doubt appreciate that there is little attempt to lionize the burnt out English teacher who serves as Pernell’s main antagonist. The font of the book is unique and there is a lot of white space on the page which should draw in reluctant readers who are turned off by traditional text. Pernell’s relatability and sense of humor should appeal to a wide range of teens but reluctant readers who struggle with school due to undiagnosed or misunderstood neurodivergency will find this particularly resonant. While the book takes place nearly 30 years ago (right before 2000) the focus on now iconic hip hop and punk music of the late 90s will likely still appeal to most teens, but particularly readers with a fondness for nostalgia music.  

A great choice for reluctant readers who enjoyed Jason Reynolds Track series or Kwame Alexander’s Booked as younger readers. This is also a lighter choice for teens who liked heavier novels in verse like Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down or Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam’s Punching the Air.  

–Maryanne Olson

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2027) Feature Review: Truth is by Hannah V. Sawyerr

  • Truth Is
  • by Hannah V. Sawyerr
  • Amulet Books
  • Publication Date: September 23, 2025
  • ISBN: 9781419776830

Young poet Truth Bangura knows the truth – she’s pregnant – before she even takes the test. She also knows she can’t disappoint her overly protective mom whose own career plans were derailed when she became pregnant at seventeen. And when Truth’s high achieving best friend doesn’t understand her choice to seek an abortion, she finds herself alone. Truth decides to move forward on her own and finds a new circle of friends in a slam poetry team. If it wasn’t for a viral video of her performing a poem about her choice, her secret might have been safe. 

Through a variety of poetic forms from free verse to journal entries, poetry prompts, and multiple choice lists, this novel in verse keeps the pages turning quickly.  Readers will be drawn into Truth’s predicament and her struggle to forge her own path when everything and (mostly) everyone seems to be against her. The book also provides some eye-opening insight into the difficulty of seeking abortion care. Truth’s slow building romance with a supportive teammate is icing on the cake for reluctant readers.   

Juniors and seniors who feel a little uncertain about their futures will identify strongly with Truth. Budding writers may also be inspired by many of the writing prompts. Readers who enjoyed the depiction of poetry slams in “Bright Red Fruit” by Safia Elhillo and learning about the struggle for abortion access in “Plan A” by Deb Coletti will really get into this book.

–Lily Mayfield

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: The Story of My Anger by Jaminne Mendez


Yuli Lopez, a Black second-generation Dominican teen, wants nothing more than to finally get cast in a leading role in her high school drama club and to be the “good girl” she’s expected to be by her mostly white school board and teachers. But when first she is passed over for the leading role yet again for a generic white mean girl and then a beloved teacher’s books are banned by the school board, Yuli cannot hide from her anger at her Texas school’s inherent racism and homophobia any more. With the guidance of her teacher, Yuli’s former activist mother and current activist brother, and inspired by playwright Ntozake Shange, she and her friends form an activist guerilla theater troupe to call out their school’s policies.

The Story of My Anger is a timely, fast-paced, and inspiring story in verse about finding your voice through arts and protest that will appeal especially to teens who struggle with the status quo and inequities in school. This is a book that doesn’t talk down to teens about their anger or their passion. Yuli’s anger and initial missteps feel real and her relatability will appeal to a broad range of readers. Also, the author plays with form by inserting dialogue as script in a call-out to the themes of activist theater that adds a layer of creativity and intriguing “rule-breaking” of tradition that mirrors the story well, but will not be too complicated for teen readers. An additional bonus is how the author highlights inspiring (and teen-friendly) classic playwright Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf maybe for the first time for some teens who will read this. While this is a great title for all teen readers, BIPOC teens who love theater and the arts will particularly see themselves in Yuli’s inability to get the lead in a mostly white high school and enjoy learning about plays outside the traditional white and male authored canon.
Give to teens who are fans of books in verse about finding your voice through the arts like Elizabeth Acevedo’s The Poet X, Mariama J. Lockington’s Forever is Now, and Renée Watson’s Black Girl You Are Atlas.

-Maryanne O.

Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2026) Feature Review: The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E.Y. Stemple


Dylan is lost. He feels like an outsider everywhere he goes. His mother is absent. His grandfather, with whom he lives, doesn’t seem to care. The only place he finds peace is in the woods behind his grandfather’s auto shop. One afternoon, he finds an injured hawk and alerts a sanctuary. At the sanctuary, he finds new purpose and connection. 

This heartfelt novel in verse about finding yourself and reimagining your community will inspire readers who have also felt unseen. Dylan’s poetry is rough and sometimes feels immature, giving it an authentically teenage feel. Additionally, Dylan is a compelling character. The subject matter is relatable to others in small towns. As a verse novel, there is plenty of white space, and the cover, while quiet, hides a compelling story of mental health and life in all its messiness. With the title, this book will appeal to both the nature lover and the auto mechanic who just needs to feel seen. 

Great for readers who loved the verse format of Jason Reynolds’s Track series, but are looking for a little bit more John Green-like content. 

–Josie Snow