Best Poetry for Teens & Young Adults Books of 2026

I Wish I Knew: Poems to Soothe Your Soul & Strengthen Your Spirit by Donna Ashworth is a beautiful collection of poetry that serves as a guide to navigate through the ups and downs of life. This book is a must-read for those looking for inspiration and comfort in their daily lives. With each poem, Ashworth provides honest lessons learned from rock bottom, helping readers find courage in chaos and rise to every challenge. What makes this book unique is how it sparks joy, surprise, and gratitude on each page, leaving readers feeling uplifted and empowered.

Rex Ogle’s Abuela, Don't Forget Me is a finalist for the 2023 YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award and a lyrical portrait of a powerful woman who believed in her grandson even when he didn’t yet know how to believe in himself. Through humor, heartbreak, and hope, Ogle weaves life-affirming poems that honor his grandmother’s legacy. The book covers heavy topics such as child abuse, financial precarity, and racism in a searing verse memoir that speaks directly to what so many young people experience and offers them hope. A must-read for all YA nonfiction collections, this work is a testament to the enduring influence of unconditional love.

For Every One by Jason Reynolds is a beautifully written and inspiring poem that encourages young dreamers to pursue their aspirations. The book is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and Walter Dean Myers, and it speaks directly to kids who are scared to dream or don't know how to dream. Reynolds shares his own struggles and experiences in making his dreams a reality, emphasizing that dreams take time and involve countless struggles. This pitch-perfect graduation or inspirational gift is an excellent reminder of one's abilities to dream.

The Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is a delightful collection of poetry about cats, written by T.S. Eliot for his godchildren. The book features whimsical illustrations by Edward Gorey and includes lovable cat poems that continue to charm both children and adults. This book is a curious and artful homage to felines of all shapes and sizes. It inspired the iconic musical Cats and is a must-read for cat lovers. The book review praises the book, stating that it has enough ferocious fancy and parody to knock the spots off most cat books and verses.

We Rise Higher: Poems and Prayers for Graduates is a perfect gift for Christian teens who are graduating from high school. This book is a collection of poems and prayers that support, encourage, and celebrate the next phase of life. The author, Joe Davis, is a nationally touring artist, educator, and speaker based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Each poem features interactive content that invites creative responses and reflection by the graduate. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to reflect on their growth and new beginnings in a spiritual and creative way.

Poetry Speaks Who I Am is an exceptional anthology of more than 100 poems for middle-grade readers. This book is perfect for teens who are on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. The collection includes classic and contemporary selections that are personal and universal, each told in a voice that speaks candidly to the target audience. The accompanying CD includes readings by many of the poets, making the experience even more immersive. Overall, Poetry Speaks Who I Am is a dynamic, accessible, and challenging book that can be life-altering for young readers.

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir is a poetic and captivating memoir by Margarita Engle, which showcases her experience of living in two different cultures during the Cold War. Through her vivid narration, Engle takes readers on a journey through her childhood spent in Los Angeles, where she felt lonely and out of place, and her summers spent in Cuba, which she describes as a fairy tale kingdom. The book is a recipient of several awards, including the Pura Belpré Author Award, YALSA Nonfiction Finalist, and Walter Dean Myers Award Honoree. Overall, this book is a beautiful and compelling read that highlights the importance of cultural identity and belonging.

A unique and visually stunning anthology, "Poems to See By" is a collection of 24 classic poems visually interpreted by comic artist Julian Peters. The book offers a fresh twist on some of the greatest English-language poets of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and helps unlock the world of poetry and literature for a new generation of reluctant readers and visual learners. The unexpected pairings of poems around themes such as family, identity, creativity, time, mortality, and nature make it a valuable teaching aid appropriate for middle school, high school, and college use. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and graphic novels.

SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful poetry memoir that is both timely and timeless. Anderson shares her personal stories, reflections, and calls to action in free verse, creating a captivating and essential read. Her prose is so gorgeous that at times, the book needs to be put down to absorb her utter mastery of language. The book is a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #MeToo and #TimesUp, and a denouncement of our society's failures. SHOUT is an important book for the #MeToo movement and a must-read for teens and adults alike.

She is Fierce: Brave, Bold and Beautiful Poems by Women is a stunning collection of 150 poems by women from different backgrounds and time periods. The anthology includes works by Maya Angelou, Emily Bronte, Margaret Atwood, and many more. The book is divided into sections such as love, nature, and protest, making it easy for readers to navigate and find poems that resonate with them. The short biographies of each poet included in the book make it an excellent resource for those looking to learn more about female poets. Overall, She is Fierce is an essential addition to any poetry lover's bookshelf and a celebration of the power and beauty of women's voices.