Whether you’re going all-out for National Poetry Month in April or making poetry a regular part of your class’s reading diet, it’s always a good time to check out some children’s poetry books and teenagers. We’ve rounded up 40 of our favorite poetry books for kids from pre-K through high school. all can be used as guidance texts, some even include tips and teaching examples. From celebrations of the natural world to sweet coming-of-age poems and plenty of hilariously silly options, there’s something on this list for everyone.
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best poetry books for elementary school children
1. the jackie morris book of classic jackie morris nursery rhymes (prek-2)
Share all the traditional nursery rhymes you remember from childhood with your young students with this beautifully illustrated treasure trove. the introduction is also a great argument for continuing to share nursery rhymes with children in today’s world.
2. daniel finds a poem by micha archer (prek-2)
when daniel sees a “poetry in the park” sign, he asks “what is poetry?”. her experiences provide an answer, many sample poetic lines, and a great starting point for writing poetry for young learners.
3. a leaf rides the wind by celeste mannis (k-2)
eleven poems set in the tranquility of a Japanese garden. This counting book introduces the haiku form of poetry to young readers.
4. a new green day by antoinette portis (k-3)
Each turn of the page reveals the theme of a short but powerful verse about an element of nature. Lots of inspiration for students to write their own nature poems in the same format.
5. kiyoshi’s walk by mark karlins (k-5)
kiyoshi wonders how his grandfather, an accomplished haiku poet, finds his poetry. His grandfather shares his wisdom with a poetry-filled stroll through his city neighborhood. Check out this blog post by the author for helpful tips on teaching poetry.
6. a full moon rises by marilyn singer (k-5)
This poetry collection explores the rich traditions of celebrating the full moon as it crosses our sky and is a celebration of poetry, culture, geography, and science.
7. the llama who didn’t have pajamas: mary ann hoberman’s 100 favorite poems (1-4)
an enchanting treasure trove of poetry covering many topics: animals, family, games, and silliness.
8. follow the recipe: poems about imagination, celebration & singing marilyn cake (1-5)
This collection of poetry uses the contexts of cooking and enjoying food to share vibrant poems on a variety of topics. we especially love the “recipe for disaster” and “recipe for memories”. So many curriculum possibilities here!
9. soccerverse: poems about soccer by elizabeth steinglass (1-5)
Do your students think that poetry is not for them? convince them with a collection of poems on a favorite topic. this collection has a lot of funny, clever, and poetic language about everything soccer, from lack of shin guards to persistence.
10. ice! poems on polar life by douglas florian (1-5)
Douglas Florian is a master at creating witty and playful imagery in his children’s poems. This fun collection teaches children about the landscape and animals of the North and South Poles while developing an appreciation for poetry.
11. where the sidewalk ends by shel silverstein (1-5)
the gateway to an addiction to shel silverstein. one of seven collections of silverstein poetry that have been enjoyed by generations of readers.
12. roald dahl disgusting rhymes (1-5)
revolting rhymes tackles six favorite tales that are roald dahl classics. Each features Dahl’s dark comic style and a surprise ending. If your students love this book, they might as well enjoy Vile Verses and Filthy Beasts.
13. Tan to Tamarind: Poems on the Color Brown by Malathi Michelle Iyengarn (1-5)
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so many beautiful shades of brown! children will fall in love with these charming poems.
14. black is a color of angela joy’s rainbow (1-4)
This celebration of blackness, written in verse, can be enjoyed both for its poetic language and its content. show students how poems can convey crucial messages in beautiful ways.
15. spi-ku: a jumble of short verses on eight legs by leslie bulion (2-5)
Do you have spider enthusiasts in your class? Hook them on poetry with this hybrid collection of nonfiction information and catchy verse about every type of arachnid you can imagine. ouch!
16. science verse by jon scieszka (2-5)
A collection on the poetry of science is a rare find. this book is very entertaining and will also get your students to think creatively.
17. sad underwear and other complications: more poems for children and their parents by judith viorst (2-6)
The title of this collection perfectly sets the tone for these impressive poems addressing the trials of childhood.
18. jazz day: the making of a famous photograph by roxanne orgil (2-7)
This collection of poems is inspired by the glory days of 1950s Harlem Jazz. Each poem is a tribute to one of the influential musicians of this iconic era.
19. happy noise: poems for two voices by paul fleischman (2-7)
a favorite in the classroom! These two-part poems are perfect for poetry lovers and reluctant beginners alike.
20. A Push On The I: A Collection Of Concrete Poems Edited By Paul B. janeczko (1-4)
Sometimes called visual poetry or word pictures, concrete poetry presents beautiful words and ideas in form. These imaginative examples, illustrated by the brilliant Chris Raschka, are sure to inspire his young poets.
21. wet cement: a mix of concrete poems by bob raczka (3-6)
another delightful collection to add to your upper elementary classroom library.
22. it’s raining pigs and noodles by jack prelutsky (k-5)
jack prelutsky is a master of the silly, tongue-twisting, and laugh-inducing poetry that kids love.
23. i once laughed the shit out of steve attewell (2-5)
This playful collection encourages reluctant young readers to enjoy poetry and marvel at the wonder of words.
24. guyku: a year of haiku for kids by bob raczka (k-3)
Set in each of the four seasons, each haiku in this collection features a child goofing around while experiencing nature. Author Bob Raczka explains, “Nature is a place men love to be.”
25. When Green Becomes Tomato: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano (K-5)
This collection is full of colorful images of nature. it also features poems that express the emotions evoked by the changing seasons.
best poetry books for elementary and high school kids
26. my thoughts are clouds: poems for mindfulness by georgie ear (3-8)
poetry and mindfulness go together very well. Teach both with this unique book from a world-class children’s poet.
27. freedom on me by ashley bryan (3-8)
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moving and powerful portraits of eleven enslaved people who were sold at auction. their stories illustrate the importance of life experiences and dreams that nothing can take away.
28. my life as a goldfish and other poems by rachel rooney (3-8)
Full of humor and surprises, this award-winning work by Rachel Rooney is described by one reviewer as “a box of joy and laughter.”
29. How to Eat a Poem: A Smorgasbord of Tasty and Delicious Poems for Young Readers edited by the American Poetry and Literacy Project (3-8)
This collection offers a rich sample of poetry from the 19th century to the present. it also features a wide variety of types, styles, and themes for students to explore.
30. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms compiled by Paul B. janeczko (3-9)
This collection includes a variety of poems and a guide to teaching poetic forms. it also explains 29 ways and gives great examples.
31. hip hop speaks to kids: a celebration of rhythmic poetry edited by nikki giovanni (4-8)
This New York Times bestseller is a vibrant and exciting collection whose poetry and rhythm will resonate with readers.
best poetry books for high school kids
32. blue lipstick: concrete poems by john grandits (9-12)
concrete poetry for teens that tackles topics like hairstyles, extracurricular activities, and annoying younger siblings. is a funny and sarcastic take on life as a high school student.
33. technically not my fault : concrete poems by john grandits (9-12)
eleven-year-old robert expresses his observations and thoughts in this collection of concrete poems focused on high school.
34. poetry talks about who i am: poems of discovery, inspiration, independence and everything else edited by elise paschen (9-12)
an impressive collection of poems by award-winning and relatively new poets. each poem speaks to the simple truths that arise from asking the question: who am I?
35. I Just Hope It’s Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness, and Joy edited by liz rosenberg and deena november (9-12)
an honest collection of poems that addresses the vast emotions adolescents experience.
36. voices in the air by naomi shihab nye (9-12)
a hopeful and encouraging collection of poems by the poet naomi shihab nye. Dedicated to the memorable people she has met, Nye’s message is one of empathy and peace.
37. classroom poems: a writer’s place to start by kathi appelt (9-12)
Full of creative writing exercises and original poems, this guide is a great teaching tool. it will also encourage teens to write poetry about their lives.
38. light up ascending: the words light up. claim your poem claim your life by diane luby lane and the players get lit (9-12)
original works by 19 teenage poets known as the get lit players. With their award-winning interpretations of classic and spoken word poems, they are inspiring scores of teens across the country.
39. More Than Friends: His and Her Poems by Sara Holbrook and Allan Wolf (9-12)
This collection of poems, told through the voices of a boy and a girl, explores the mysteries of teenage love, from the tender beginning to the “final blackout.”
40. excuse this poem: 100 new poets for the next generation by brett lauer and lynn melnick (9-12)
This collection features works by 100 new young poets. Full of originality, the poems address many life events, from tragedy to joy.
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Also, check out our lists of must-have poems for elementary and middle school.
See Also: Great Books Program