Novels in verse are a unique format that, when done well, can be an engaging and interesting way to tell a story. Two debut novels that do this particularly well are Exposed by Kimberly Marcus and the upcoming release May B. by Caroline Starr Rose.

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus is told from the perspective of 16-year-old Liz. She is a Photogirl, somebody who is confident in everything she can capture behind her lens, until one day the subtleties blur and, in the aftermath of a shocking accusation by her best friend Kate, everything changes. Was the world Liz was so used to seeing not the real one after all? What happens when you may lose everything you love?

An emotional and powerful novel told in verse, Exposed is both raw and poetic in style; there is a lyrical nature to Marcus’ writing that makes it beautiful and compelling to read. Not only would this book be perfect for fans of authors who write novels in verse on serious topics, in particular Ellen Hopkins (author of Crank), but even those unfamiliar with the genre will find Exposed an easy transition from conventional storytelling. In addition to taking a risk with the format, Marcus takes on an extremely difficult subject matter in a thoughtful and intelligent way, making it relatable while not diminishing its seriousness – the specific subject of the novel is best left for the reader to uncover. The end result is a story that breaks the reader’s heart in more than one way.

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose is an upcoming release due out on Jan. 10, 2012 that is appropriate for a younger audience than Exposed, but has just as much emotional strength at its core. When May B. begins, May has been sent to work on a neighbour’s prairie home to help provide for her family. May wants to be a teacher, but how is that possible when she can’t even read right? Things go from bad to worse when May is abandoned and trapped away from her family for a long winter. Fighting for her life, May also begins to fight for her dream by trying to find her own way to read, and her own way home.
Despite being a fairly short novel with a quick moving story, May B. doesn’t lack for emotional resonance. Adding in small historical details to bring the setting to life, the novel features an incredibly brave young girl who has to overcome incredible odds both from the outside and from within. The story also provides a perceptive look into what it was like to deal with dyslexia before it was a recognized and understood condition. Ultimately, May B. is a moving story of survival – a quick book to read, but the memory of it will last much longer.

Overall, novels in verse can be great not just for reluctant readers but also for individuals looking to find something a little unconventional. Whether you’re looking for a serious issue book like Exposed or historical fiction such as May B., it’s definitely a format worth considering.