Well-versed? If Novels in Verse Are So Accessible, Why Don’t We Have More?

_{Tia Fisher explores reasons for the ‘niche’ status of verse novels and suggests ways we might make them as popular in the UK as they are in the US.}

Abstract

In her presentation, Tia Fisher will examine the elements in verse novels which work so well for a hard-to-reach young audience. She will go on to explore some reasons for the format’s currently ‘niche’ status within publishing and suggest ways we might make verse novels as popular with gatekeepers in the UK as they are in the US. With much focus from reading professionals on engagement (it was, for example, the theme of the Youth Libraries Group conference in September 2023), verse novels are an excellent way to entice developing or dormant young readers to pick up a book for pleasure.