12 Essential Poetry Books for Kids of All Ages

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Every Tuesday when I was young, my mom hauled me and my siblings to the local library where we filled up our family’s massive L.L Bean canvas tote with dozens upon dozens of books.

While my love of reading continued into young adulthood, I was never a big poetry fan. I found it confusing, pretentious, intimidating, boring — or worse, all the above. ⁣⁣⁣I wanted stories, not fluffy words strung together in stanzas. I wanted literature to answer my questions, not raise more. So I avoided poems. 

But that changed in my twenties when a friend gifted me a book of Mary Oliver poems. That collection became my gateway into what has admittedly become a minor obsession. I even started an Instagram account devoted to sharing my favorite poems.  

My 5-year-old son recently asked, “What is poetry?” I offered a clumsy explanation that left him thoroughly confused, but thankfully we had several books on hand that showed him concrete examples. He is beginning to develop what I hope will become a lifelong appreciation for poetry. 

The best way I know how to share my love of poetry to my children is by exposing them to quality poems. In honor of National Poetry Month, here are my essential selections that will help your kids foster a deeper appreciation for this beautiful art form. 

What better introduction to poetry than through baby, bite-sized words of one of America’s most beloved poets? It’s a good vocabulary builder (“Sunlight: I’ll tell you how the Sun rose—/A Ribbon at a time”), and the illustrations are charming. 

Buy the book: In Emily’s Garden

This sweet, playful sing-songy poem offers a fun, modern twist on the classic This Little Piggy rhyme. Be forewarned: it will inevitably lead to toe tickles and giggles. 

Buy the book: Whose Toes Are Those?

This clever book is a delight to read aloud and always had my kids laughing by the end. A great introduction to wordplay and rhythm. 

Buy the book: Sheep in a Jeep

StoryNory, a British-based podcast, is perfect for young children and offers periodic readings of classic children’s poems from cultures all over the world, relayed in the most soothing voice. 

Unsure of what poetry is, Daniel turns to nature for answers, asking animals around him, “What is poetry?” They respond with lyrical, metaphor-rich answers that inspire a masterful final poem at the end. 

Buy the book: Daniel Finds a Poem

This robust collection features 75 songs written by the beloved Mr. Rogers. The vibrant pictures and snappy lyrics will keep your kids fully engaged.

Buy the book: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

This award-winning poem is an unfettered celebration of African American history, honoring Black leaders across hundreds of years. Kwame Alexander highlights both unsung heroes and world-renowned figures alike without shying away from tragedy amid the triumph. Kadir Nelson’s accompanying illustrations are stunning. 

Buy the book: The Undefeated

Children’s author Ken Nesbitt is the brains behind Poetry4Kids, an interactive “poetry playground” featuring a wide array of poetry resources for children; from activities, to videos, to classic children’s poems, to a rhyming dictionary, and more, this site has it all! 

This coming-of-age novel, written in free verse poetry, follows the story of Lupita, a Mexican-American teenage girl grappling with the news of her mother’s cancer diagnosis. A favorite among my former middle school students. 

Buy the book: Under the Mesquite

This collection from Naomi Shihab Nye, the current Young People’s Poet Laureate (serving until August 2021), features some of her beloved classics alongside brand new works. It also includes writing tips. 

Buy the book: Everything Comes Next

This hot-off-the-press publication is a must-own for poetry admirers of all ages, but the historic poem shares a hopeful message and call to courage that will resonate deeply with this particular age group. 

Buy the book: The Hill We Climb

Don’t miss the poetry section of the popular national publication Teen Ink which features original poems by teens from all over. 

We are indeed living in difficult times and this inspiring collection includes accessible works from a diverse group of celebrated poets, including Maya Angelou, Wendell Berry, Joy Harjo, Li-Young Lee, Denise Levertov, Ada Limón, and more.  

Buy the book: How Lovely the Ruins

This fast-paced novel-in-verse is told from the perspective of Will, a 15-year-old who is deciding whether or not he should murder his brother’s killer. Your teens won’t be able to put down this gripping story. 

Buy the book: Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds 

This brand-new release offers poems by favorite female poets such as Margaret Atwood, Elizabeth Acevedo, Mary Oliver, and Kate Baer. Featuring 68 poems in a gorgeous layout, this poignant collection tackles relatable topics like loneliness, longing, rage, self-acceptance, joy, shame, and more.  

Buy the book: You Don’t Have to Be Everything

The Poetry Foundation’s POETRY app gives you immediate access to thousands of poems and allows you to search by mood, subject, poet, and more.