The Verse Novel Shelf

Jasminne Mendez

Writes for both2 novels in verse on the shelfMiddle Grade · 1Young Adult · 1

Middle Grade

1 book, newest first
Aniana del Mar Jumps In2023 · Contemporary
NCTE Notable Verse Novel 2024Pura Belpré Children's Author Honor 2024ALSC Notable Children's Book 2024

Aniana, a twelve-year-old Dominican American swimmer, is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. She fights to get back in the pool despite her body, her family's trauma, and her mother's fear of water.

Young Adult

1 book, newest first
The Story of My Anger2025 · Contemporary
Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor 2026YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2026

Yuli, a Black Dominican American junior in Texas, faces racism in her school's drama program and watches her Ethnic Studies class get censored, so she and her friends launch guerrilla theater protests.