5 YA Poetry Books Teens Will Love

Poetry can be a powerful medium for young adults to explore their emotions, identity, and the world around them. This list features a selection of inspiring and thought-provoking poetry collections written by and for young adults, covering a wide range of themes and styles.

These five inspiring collections showcase the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary young adult poetry. They explore topics such as love, loss, mental health, social justice, and coming of age, providing a space for young adults to reflect on their experiences and find solace, connection, and inspiration in the power of language.

Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits

Voiced from the perspective of 15-year-old Jessie, this wry and unique collection unpacks the high school experience with unflinching humor. Jessie pulls no punches when it comes to her opinions. From trying out new hairstyles to avoiding her annoying younger brother, her irreverent and irresistible personality shine through creative choices in words, ideas, type, and design. 

Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems about Love by Pat Mora

With each poem told from the perspective of a unique narrator, Dizzy in Your Eyes is sure to excite any young reader. Love, sadness, and desire are uncovered from a uniquely teen perspective. Whether you’re in love, healing from heartbreak, or sailing on the highs of a new crush, this collection is sure to have a poem that will resonate. 

Paint Me Like I Am: Teen Poems from WritersCorps by Bill Aguado and Richard Newirth

Hear the voices of diverse teenagers everywhere in this impressive teen poetry collection by WritersCorps. WrtiersCorps was founded in 1994 to help at-risk youth in San Francisco, Washington, KC, and New York City find creative expression through writing. This colorful and lively collection showcases the work of teens who have participated in the program. 

Poetry Speaks Who I Am: Poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah

More than 100 poems by teens from across the country come together in this inspiring anthology. Sometimes gritty and heartbreaking, other times hilarious and heartwarming, this collection is about becoming, as the writers throughout the book deal with difficult emotions such as anger, love, confusion, fear, and more. And those who love to hear a poem just as much as they like to read it will love the included CD which includes 44 recorded poems, 39 of which are original recordings. 

Please Excuse This Poem: 100 New Poets for the Next Generation by Lynn Melnick, Brett Fletcher Lauer, and Carolyn Forché

For those who want to read a true cross-section of American poetry, look no further than this sizzling collection. Please Excuse This Poem includes 100 poems by 100 unique voices. Full of love, humor, wit, and grit, readers will love the startling range of forms included in this volume. 

These collections, written by and for young adults, provide a space for readers to reflect on their experiences, find solace, and connect with others who may be going through similar struggles. Whether you’re a young adult or simply a lover of poetry, these collections are sure to inspire, provoke, and move you.