26 Books Written in Verse : Jan-Feb

26 Books Series #1: 

Read 26 Books Written in Verse in 2026

January- February 

One of my goals for my blog this year is to create post series. 

I'm starting a series this year where I read/talk about 26 books in different categories. The first in this series is going to be one of my favorite types of books, books written in verse. Throughout the year, I'm going to keep track of the books I read every two months.

1. We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

- A beautiful book written in verse which deals with grief and depression. It is a story set in a contemporary world that feels magical. Whimsy uses fairy tales and other stories as a coping mechanism. They are her way of expressing the pain she feels because of the trauma she experienced in her past.

- Amber McBride's writing was stunning. She uses magical realism and metaphors to tell Whimsy and Faerry's story. I heavily related to them both throughout, especially since I too use poetry and stories to deal with my own grief. 

"You just have to learn
how to come back
to yourself
even when you can’t explain
your pain
in this part
of the Garden.

For you, your voice,
your story is everything" 

2. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

- One of the most beautifully heart-wrenching books I have ever read. The whole idea of this, a boy in the hood dealing with grief combined with A Christmas Carol, is just incredible. It had me in tears by the end. Jason Reynolds is such a great author and Jason Reynolds's lyrical writing is so stunning.

“When bad things happen
we can usually look up and see
the moon, big and bright,
shining over us.

That always made me feel better.

Like there's something up there
beaming down on us in the dark.” 

3. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

- Absolutely stunning! I loved reading about Xiomara falling in love with Slam Poetry and finding herself along the way. Such a beautiful story. This had me in tears many times. Elizabeth Acevedo does an incredible job showing the power of poetry. 

 
“Maybe, the only thing that has to make sense
about being somebody's friend
is that you help them be their best self
on any given day. That you give them a home
when they don't want to be in their own.” 

February 2026: Hobbies & Crafts 🎨

In February, I did a couple hobbies that I would like to share here. I'm hoping that there will be even more in March. Happy crafting everyone! 

 Make Market Flower Brick Sets 💐

Loved making these flower sets from Michaels. They look so beautiful on my shelves. Definitely so of my favorites from the brand.  

  Squirrels on Vacation Puzzle🧩

 

This is such a cute puzzle. Really enjoyed making it.