April is National Poetry Month, so Windows & Mirrors is back with another great list of books by under-represented voices. This time, in verse.
The Poet X
This new release by Elizabeth Acevedo is taking the publishing world by storm, debuting on the New York Times best seller list. This story about a young poet who dreams of performing all the poems in her notebook in her Harlem school’s slam poetry club was meant to be listened to. More details about The Poet X and Elizabeth Acevedo here!
Rebound
You’ve already heard me gushing about how much this Hoosier-born basketball lover enjoyed The Crossover. So you won’t be surprised to see this prequel, in graphic novel format, on my list for this month. While it’s hard to resist listening to Alexander’s amazing poetry on audiobook, for this one, you may want to listen and read. The graphic novel panels and poetry combined make this truly unforgettable.
Forest World
This story of a Cuban-American boy visiting Cuba–and his estranged father–for the first time is enchanting in Margarita Engle’s award-winning prose. And watch out for her new one, Jazz Owls, due out in June of this year!
A Long Way Down
Jason Reynolds’ verse novel about a boy who has one short elevator ride in which to decide whether to avenge his brother’s murder has a long list of awards. It’s a Newbery Honor Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and a Printz Honor Book. It was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature won the Walter Dean Myers Award, among other accolades.
Get the audiobook, narrated by the author. It is stunning.