March 27, 2023 in Library News

April is National Poetry Month, so we asked staff to share books of poetry, novels in verse, or some work by writers who are known as poets. Here's what they had to share.

The Poet X (2018)

by Elizabeth Acevedo

Written by a master of books-in-verse, The Poet X is a coming-of-age story about a young teen, Xiomara, who has a lot to say but no safe space to say it. She writes her thoughts down in a notebook, but with certain societal and familial expectations, Xiomara feels she is best keeping those thoughts to herself. That is ... until she is invited to join her school's Slam Poetry Club. — Abbey, Youth Services

Brown Girl Dreaming (2014)

by Jacqueline Woodson

This is a beautiful memoir written in verse. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author, and her narration of the story added so much emotion behind the words, and the connection of each poem crafted a truly beautiful story. — Abbey, Youth Services


Audacity (2015)

by Melanie Crowder

A brilliantly told historical fiction written in free verse, Melanie Crowder takes the real-life pieces of Clara Lemlich and sews them into an emotional, tough and inspiring narrative of how the voice and ideas of one individual can spark the flames of an entire community. Crowder also provides some historical background on Clara and her family, including exclusive interviews with her family members. — Abbey, Youth Services


All the King's Men (2001)

by Robert Penn Warren

This 1946 novel relates the rise and inevitable fall of a charismatic Southern politician and is so beautifully written that you can tell it's authored by someone who won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry (twice!) and also for this novel. It's based on the life of a real Louisiana governor and is a classic for a reason. — Kris, Fiction, Movies & Music


Call Us What We Carry : Poems (2021)

by Amanda Gorman

This book contains the poem that was written for the 2020 inaugural event. Amanda Gorman's poems are both lyrical and contemporary with the times and events affecting all of us. — Tina, Hanover Park Branch


Dominant Genes (2022)

by SJ Sindu

A 2023 Stonewall Book Award honor book, Dominant Genes explores queerness from a South Asian perspective. Sindu explores the juxtaposition between family and identity, and how those that love us sometimes don't know us at all. — Rachel, Access Services


How to Identify Yourself with a Wound : Poems (2022)

by KB

A stunning debut by a black poet that is not only queer in content, but in form. For those that want to see new and exciting poetry from an up-and-comer. — Rachel, Access Services


A Shropshire Lad (2012)

by A. E Housman

It contains one of my favorite poems: LXII. William Stanley Braithwaite articulates the appeal of the book better than I ever could in his introduction here. — Beth, Access Services


I Must Be Living Twice : New and Selected Poems, 1975-2014 (2015)

by Eileen Myles

If you're unfamiliar with cult hero and queer icon Eileen Myles, this collection of both old and new poems is a fantastic introduction to the irreverent, fiercely intelligent, bitingly sardonic and entirely unapologetic lens through which they view life. — Emily, Fiction, Movies & Music


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