Young Adult Novels Written in Verse: Background information when reading The Most Dazzling Girl In Berlin

Young Adult Novels Written in Verse

This article relates to The Most Dazzling Girl In Berlin

Novels written in verse for a young adult audience can be an excellent way to encourage reluctant readers of poetry to embrace the unique power of the form. While retaining a focus on character and narrative, the loose approach to structure and hints of more experimental language can increase the pace and heighten the emotional intensity of a story. Here are eight examples of novels aimed at young adult readers that showcase the strengths of this particular style.

The Realm of Possibility (2004) by David Levithan - The 20 narrators of this novel are all students at the same high school. Though each has their own story to tell, all are connected in some way. The members of this diverse cast contend with conflict related to their burgeoning sexuality and identity, allowing Levithan to explore the various complexities of young love.

Crank (2010) by Ellen Hopkins - Inspired by her own daughter's experiences, Hopkins' novel reveals the devastating impact of crystal meth abuse, utilizing the free verse style to emphasize how visceral, disorientating and all-consuming drug addiction can be.

One (2015) by Sarah Crossan - The emotional story of two sisters, Grace and Tippi: conjoined twins who, at the age of 16, face the prospect of vital yet potentially life-threatening surgery. While their particular story is unique, Crossan touches on all the usual anguish of adolescence, and also weaves in a range of other important topics, such as alcoholism, eating disorders and the challenges of living with HIV.

Long Way Down (2017) by Jason Reynolds - A teenage boy set on avenging his brother's death is confronted by the ghosts of those killed by the same gun he now holds in his hands. Employing magical realism to explore the very real issue of gang culture and its prevalence in poor, Black communities, this is an emotionally resonant look at free will and the need to break toxic cycles of violence.

The Black Flamingo (2020) by Dean Atta - When he moves to university and discovers the world of drag, Michael is able to explore his own sense of self, ultimately helping him to make peace with his identity as a mixed-race, gay teenager. Through the artistry of his new drag alter-ego, Michael learns to express himself on his own terms, rather than trying to fit into the molds of identity established by others.

Clap When You Land (2020) by Elizabeth Acevedo - This is the story of Camino and Yahaira, two sisters who only learn of each other's existence when their father is killed in a plane crash. Despite the potential melodrama of the initial setup, this is a very human and understated look at grief, love, family and forgiveness.

Punching the Air (2020) by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam - Bestselling author Zoboi and prison reform activist Salaam teamed up to write this timely look at institutional racism and the flaws of the social justice system in America. The novel follows Amal, a 16-year-old Black boy wrongfully incarcerated for an assault he did not commit, and his attempts to channel anger into poetry and art.

Chlorine Sky (2021) by Mahogany L. Browne - While many novels focus on the struggles of romantic breakups, this coming-of-age story delves into the unique pain of separating from a friend, looking at miscommunication and the toxicity of rumors.

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This "beyond the book article" relates to The Most Dazzling Girl In Berlin. It originally ran in April 2022 and has been updated for the March 2023 paperback edition. Go to magazine.

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