#CybilsAwards Backlist Book List: Verse Novels

We’re turning over the Backlist Book List reigns to Gary Anderson, who chairs the Young Adult Fiction category.  He has some recommendations for verse novels that, like Cybils 2020 Finalist Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam, deal with tough contemporary societal issues. As Gary explains:

This is not poetry for the butterflies and sunflowers set but tough stories told in verse that will both challenge readers and let them know that young adult authors are listening to and responding to their concerns.

These are not *just* fictional stories. They are personal journies as well. Gary says, “One of the best works on the list is an autobiography.”

If you’ve never read a “novel in verse” or aren’t sure you will like it, then this list is for you: reader nominated, reader recommended.

Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthew 2020 Submission Young Adult Fiction
Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh 2020 Nominee Young Adult Fiction
Kent State by Deborah Wiles 2020  Nominee Young Adult Fiction
The Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar 2020 Finalist Middle Grade Fiction
People Kill People Ellen Hopkins 2018 Nominee Poetry
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam 2020 Finalist Young Adult Fiction
Second in Command  Sandi Van 2019 Nominee Poetry
SHOUT by Laurie Halse Anderson 2019 Finalist Poetry
Solo (Blink) by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess 2017 Nominee Poetry
Three Things I Know Are True: A Novel by Betty Culley 2020 Nominee Young Adult Fiction