10+ Best Poetry Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect poetry books for 12-year-olds? Whether your young reader is a budding poet or just starting to dip their toes into the rhythmic world of verse, finding the right collection can spark a lifelong love of poetry. Keep reading as we explore a variety of poetry books tailored specifically for 12-year-olds, each promising to enchant, educate, and inspire. Let’s dive into the world of words and discover the magic of poetry together!

Fun Poetry Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A collection of quirky, humorous poems accompanied by Silverstein's own illustrations. The poems explore imaginative scenarios and characters, such as a boy who turns into a TV and a crocodile who goes to the dentist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces poetry in a fun and engaging way, encouraging creativity and a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy laughter and have a vivid imagination.

• The New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by James Stevenson
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book features over 100 humorous poems about a variety of topics kids love, from food and animals to school and siblings.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its playful language and fun rhymes captivate young readers, making it an enjoyable introduction to poetry.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate humor and playful storytelling.

• Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjory Wentworth, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Biography
  • Synopsis: This collection celebrates poetry through poems inspired by some of the great poets of the past and present, from Emily Dickinson to Billy Collins.
  • Why we recommend this book: It not only entertains but also educates about different poets, enhancing both reading skills and literary knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring poets and young readers interested in learning about influential figures in poetry.

• A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: Another delightful collection from Silverstein that features a blend of whimsical, poignant, and humorous poems, each accompanied by his unique illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It continues to spark imagination and inspire a love of poetry with its playful verses.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoyed "Where the Sidewalk Ends" or any young reader discovering the joy of poetry.

• Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Eric Beddows
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A collection of poems designed to be read aloud by two people, focusing on the life and sounds of insects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique reading experience that promotes cooperation and performance skills.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy sharing the reading experience with a friend or family member.

Educational Poetry Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Josée Masse
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Fantasy, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection of poems is presented in reverse, where each poem can be read from top to bottom and bottom to top, offering different perspectives and magical twists on fairy tales.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, critical thinking, perspective-taking
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively plays with language and perspective, making it a fascinating and engaging way to explore poetry.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fairy tales and enjoy puzzles and word play.

• Technically, It's Not My Fault: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Humor, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: A visual feast of words, this collection features poems that take the shape of the subject they describe, from a soccer ball to a broken TV.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, creativity, and spatial understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique visual approach to poetry that captivates and amuses, making it accessible and fun.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers who appreciate humor and creative presentation.

• The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Classic, African American Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection brings together some of Hughes' most cherished poems that speak to dreams and the beautiful potential of the human spirit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, emotional expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to significant cultural and poetic themes through accessible and powerful language.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in important historical perspectives and inspirational poetry.

• Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem by Jack Prelutsky
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Educational, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: Jack Prelutsky shares tips and tricks for writing poems, drawing from his own experiences and covering everything from using humor to finding inspiration.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative writing, poetic techniques, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an excellent resource for budding poets, providing practical advice and encouraging creativity and expression through poetry.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young poets and any student interested in writing their own poetry.

• Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart edited by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Michael Emberley
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Anthology, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This anthology collects over 120 poems that are perfect for memorization, from classic to contemporary, covering a wide range of themes and styles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Memory skills, oral presentation, literary appreciation
  • Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes the joy and educational value of memorizing poetry, enhancing linguistic skills and confidence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy recitation and those looking to improve their memory and presentation skills.

Challenging Poetry Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Sports, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel in verse follows twelve-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan as they navigate challenges on and off the court, including family issues and personal growth.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is conveyed through poetic verse, blending rhythmic, fast-paced sports action with emotional depth, which requires a sophisticated understanding of poetry and metaphor.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully merges sports and poetry, offering a compelling story that appeals to both athletes and poetry lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation for narrative poetry and emotional storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and readers looking for a dynamic, emotionally engaging story told through poetry.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Memoir, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her awakening to her writing talent.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book’s lyrical prose and non-linear storytelling require readers to piece together the timeline and understand complex themes like race, identity, and memory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant look into the African American experience, encouraging empathy and a deeper understanding of historical contexts through personal narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in autobiographical stories and those looking to enhance their understanding of cultural and historical issues through poetry.

• The Lost Words by Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Nature, Children’s Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection features acrostic spell-poems aimed at celebrating and reviving nature words that have been disappearing from children's language and dictionaries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The sophisticated vocabulary and unique format of acrostic poetry challenge readers to not only understand but also appreciate the nuances of language and its impact on our perception of nature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It revitalizes an appreciation for the natural world and the power of words to describe and preserve the wonders of nature.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and any reader with a love for nature and exploration of rich, descriptive vocabulary.

• One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Historical, African American Literature
  • Synopsis: Grimes utilizes the "Golden Shovel" poetic form to create new poems inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, intertwining her own words with those of Harlem Renaissance poets.
  • Why this book is challenging: The integration of historical and contemporary verses demands a deep understanding of the cultural and literary context, as well as an ability to interpret complex poetic forms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It connects young readers with the rich cultural history of the Harlem Renaissance, fostering an appreciation for historical African American literature through innovative poetic structures.
  • Perfect for: Students of history, lovers of poetry, and those interested in African American culture and literature.

• Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Humor, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: A collection of visually engaging concrete poems from the perspective of a fifteen-year-old girl, covering topics from sibling rivalry to first crushes.
  • Why this book is challenging: The visual layout of the poems requires readers to engage both textually and visually, interpreting the meaning through both the words and their arrangement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a playful and creative approach to poetry that encourages young readers to see the fun in reading and writing verse.
  • Perfect for: Teens and tweens who enjoy creative presentations and exploring their feelings through poetry.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into the world of poetry can be a fantastic adventure, especially for 12-year-olds. To make the most out of your poetry books, here are some exercises that can help develop strong reading habits while keeping the process fun and engaging. Let's get started!

• Create a Poem Collage
  • What it is: Cut out words and phrases from magazines or newspapers to create your own poem.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps understand the impact of different words and phrases.
  • Tips: Choose a theme or emotion to guide your collage, and see where your creativity takes you!

• Read Aloud to a Friend or Family Member
  • What it is: Share a favorite poem by reading it aloud to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and comprehension, and can help gain insights from the listener's reactions.
  • Tips: Practice different tones and speeds to see how it changes the poem's impact.

• Illustrate a Poem
  • What it is: Draw or paint a scene or concept from a poem you enjoy.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding by connecting visual art to textual themes.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on expressing how the poem makes you feel visually.

• Memorize a Poem
  • What it is: Choose a poem and commit it to memory.
  • How it helps: Builds concentration and deeper appreciation of the poetic structure and vocabulary.
  • Tips: Start with shorter poems and gradually work up to longer ones.

• Write a Response Poem
  • What it is: Write your own poem in response to one you have read.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and personal expression.
  • Tips: Focus on what emotions or thoughts the original poem stirred in you.

• Host a Poetry Night
  • What it is: Organize an evening where you and your friends share and discuss various poems.
  • How it helps: Builds social skills and offers diverse interpretations of poetry.
  • Tips: Prepare some snacks and create a cozy, welcoming environment.

Wrapping up, incorporating these exercises into your routine can transform your poetry reading into an active, enriching experience. Not only do these activities make reading more interactive, but they also deepen your understanding and appreciation of poetry. So, grab your favorite poetry book, pick an exercise, and start exploring the rhythmic world of words! Happy reading!