I receive 5 to 10 book recommendation emails from publishers every week. That might not sound like much, but when left unread, they snowball into the thousands. While I’m always curious about what’s hitting the market, I remain committed to reading exclusively Indigenous authors, authors of color, and marginalized voices (LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and disabled creators).
The reality is that major publishers still lean heavily toward white authors—perhaps because the YA market feels "locked" into specific narratives, or because authors of color aren't being given the same opportunities to reach the shelf.
If that’s the case, then it is my kuleana (responsibility) to highlight the authors you should be reading. I usually share my "Starting 6" on Instagram and Threads, but I’m bringing them here to dive a little deeper.
Since April is National Poetry Month, this month’s list features six incredible novels-in-verse by non-white authors. Good luck finding a curated list like this anywhere else—I’ve tried the Google rabbit hole and came up empty, so I decided to build it myself.
The reality is that major publishers still lean heavily toward white authors—perhaps because the YA market feels "locked" into specific narratives, or because authors of color aren't being given the same opportunities to reach the shelf.
If that’s the case, then it is my kuleana (responsibility) to highlight the authors you should be reading. I usually share my "Starting 6" on Instagram and Threads, but I’m bringing them here to dive a little deeper.
Since April is National Poetry Month, this month’s list features six incredible novels-in-verse by non-white authors. Good luck finding a curated list like this anywhere else—I’ve tried the Google rabbit hole and came up empty, so I decided to build it myself.
The Starting 6
Note: Descriptions are adapted from publisher and critical reviews to give you an accurate flavor of each title before I dive into my own reading.
- King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin
An “artful and introspective” (BCCB, starred review) novel in verse “celebration of neurodiversity wrapped in bars so tight they could stop traffic” (Shelf Awareness) about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season
- When We Ride by Rex Ogle
Ogle delivers a propulsive narrative exploring the limits of loyalty and friendship. It’s a raw look at how bonds are tested by the harsh realities of drugs and violence.
- (S)Kin by Ibi Zoboi
From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her groundbreaking contemporary fantasy debut—a novel in verse based on Caribbean folklore—about the power of inherited magic and the price we must pay to live the life we yearn for.
- An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
Fans of The Poet X will fall for this powerful, romantic debut novel-in-verse about a Native Hawaiian girl's fight to find belonging in a fracturing family, sharing a message of love with resounding emotional truth.
- The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez by Jasminne Paulino
“This story is about a boy who is certain of his own magic in the midst of the doubtful adults around him. A kid who knows not even the sky, but the stars are the limit. Which makes Paulino’s debut…extraordinary.” —Jason Reynolds, author of National Book Award finalist Look Both Ways and Newbery Honor Book Long Way Down
- The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez
“A powerful love letter to finding and using your voice, this story will resonate deeply with those who struggle to feel seen and nurtured, particularly young women of color… A compelling drama with a firecracker protagonist that stuns with its strikingly beautiful writing.” —Kirkus, starred review
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