If you're looking for a book that's quite quick to read - but with some hidden depths - you've come to the right place.
Robert Cormier
The story of one boy's life at 12-years-old - remembering a time that will never be again.
Sharon Creech
It's going to be a strange year for Annie - her grandad's getting sicker, and her mum's having a baby.
Sharon Creech
Love that dog is a superb poem about a boy who loses something he loves.
Sharon Creech uses inarticulate speech at the beginning through the eyes of this boy and by doing so creates a perfect sound to the poem - far better than using complicated words and phrases, for example: I tried. Can't do it. Brain's empty - and - I don't want to write poetry because boys don't. Girls do.
The poem is of course about poetry. It is through the eyes of this boy whose teacher is teaching the class about poetry. He believes that he'll never love poetry and he feels that things will never be the same now that he has lost this thing.
The story shows how poetry helps him feel better and conquer his fears. It also makes him open up more and talk about how he's feeling.
If I could I'd give this book 4 and 2/3 but there is no such option as that. Overall it is an amazing book and also very moving.
Nick, 10
Helen Frost
Two sisters, Jeannie and Sarah, are separated in 1850s Scotland. Before they are, they braid their hair together, cut the braid – and take half each. Sarah decides to stay with their grandmother – and Jeannie leaves for Canada with their parents and siblings.
The book’s structure mirrors the braiding of the hair with the sisters’ stories told in interweaving narrative verse.
Steven Herrick
Jack is sixteen – he’s obsessed with love (Annabel), the ghost of his mother – and the length of his nose hair.
Steven Herrick
Having had enough of life at home, Billy leaves to live life on the edge and finds a family.
Karen Hesse
The story of life in the American Dustbowl during the Great Depression. Although a quick read, this story a lot of depth. Tragic and inspiring.
Karen Hesse
A small Vermont town must struggle with its identity when the Ku Klux Klan moves in in 1924. Told by different characters, the townspeople work towards an understanding of themselves. There's Edith, a six-year-old Jewish girl from New York; Leanora, a 12-year-old African-American girl; the newspaper editor; the local constable; and others. Lyrical and honest.
Ron Koertge 
This is a book written in free verse with the diary entries of several different students in the Branston High School "Members of the Class of '01" It features the several different stereotypes of high school students, eg: The Smart One, the Fat Kid, the Jock, the Stud.... etc. In this story, a guy called Boyd portrays the "angry young man" stereotype. He goes around the other members of the class and makes a list of people who put him down or who piss him off. He teams up with another student who is named "a dangerous new friend" in the blurb and together they plan a school shoot-out, with the help of guns bought from the local store and homemade bombs.
Best character: Lester
Rosie, 16
Walter Dean Myers
A story, in free verse, set in Harlem against a background of gangs and poverty.
Lisa Ann Sandell
Raised in Arthur’s warband Elaine of Ascolat struggles to find herself as she grows into adulthood. When Gwynivere arrives, Elaine’s life is upended and she feels ugly and awkward. But all personal concerns must be put aside when Arthur rides out to confront the Saxons at Mount Badon.
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Sonya Sones
From the beginning you know Ruby’s not that impressed with having to live with her father – who divorced her mom before Ruby was born. Ruby’s never met him in person – only seen him on the big screen. Now, after the death of her mom, she has to live with him fulltime. And she’s not going to make things easy, particularly not when he seems to be on the same wavelength as her.
Sonya Sones
Honest, lyrical and devastating - this book, written in free verse, details a 13-year-old's life when her older sister became manic depressive. There are support groups listed at the back of the book, but they're in the UK. If you are dealing with similar issues, please contact: Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Sonya Sones
What happens when Mr-oh-so-wrong-it's-a-joke turns out to be Mr-Right-and-a-Half? When you kiss and it feels like your molecules are fusing together? When your mother is so out of it, she doesn't know anything? This is Sophie's summer.
Margaret Wild
Written in free verse this book tells of Jen's life and loss - and those of her family. Things go so badly for Jen she changes her name to Jinx. Will she ever be Jen again?
Margaret Wild
Gabe's got it all - all the girls fall over themselves to get his attention - but Gabe's heartless. Helen's lived her life on the sidelines, and it's only with the aid of surgery that she can show her face in public. But, somehow, they get together for one night. One night that will change their lives. Written in free verse.
and
Virigina Euwer Wolff
It's about the world of LaVaughn - growing up and falling in love, making new friends, feeling different about mum and her 'boyfriend', school, etc. The books are in the form of poetry and they're monologue by LaVaughn.
Best character: LaVaughn
Barbara, 15
Jacqueline Woodson
Lonnie's a foster boy - and he tells his story in poetry, mostly free verse. It's moving and wonderful.
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