Poetry Books for Teens

Shop the best selection of poetry books for teens at Barnes & Noble. Poetry appeals to young adults of all ages and reading poems has experienced a resurgence with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok where many poets perform their poetry for the world to enjoy.

Reading and writing poetry is a popular pastime throughout adolescence as it is a period of self-discovery, and this is a topic that many poets dive into. Find poetry written by teens and young adults including Kiley Miller’s love poetry collection, Love Me Like I'm Allowed, which uses free verse to explore a journey of finding self-love amongst insecurities and highlights the importance of cultivating healthy relationships.

Discover poetry books by prominent young American poets like Amanda Gorman, whose powerful poetry collection, Call Us What We Carry, dives into history and language exploring themes like grief and erasure in her poems including the widely celebrated inaugural poem, The Hill We Climb.

Whether you’re interested in poetry that advocates for change like Laurie Halse Anderson’s Shout or are in the mood for a raw, emotional book of poems like Sarah Thellen’s, In My head, there are hundreds of poetry books for teens on a variety of subjects. Explore poetry about love, family life, coming of age and social justice. Dive into contemporary free-verse and slam poetry collections that are trending right now.

Reading and writing poetry provides a creative outlet for teens, fostering a connection to language that provides intellectual stimulation and an escape from the everyday. If poetry speaks to you, then visit your local B&N and browse our shelves or shop online to find your next poetry read!

10 Popular Poetry Books for Teens & Young Adults

Cool Salsa by Lori Carlson
Abuela, Don't Forget Me by Rex Ogle
You Don't Even Know Me by Sharon G. Flake
For Every One by Jason Reynolds
Soul Attraction by Ava Brown
These Are Words by Nikita Gill
Light Filters In: Poems by Caroline Kaufman
Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir by Nikki Grimes
You Don't Have to Be Everything by Diana Whitney (editor)
Gum Wrapper Poetry by SAY Something