Recommended Poetry for KS2
Poetry is one of the most exciting ways for children to explore language, imagination and emotions. Poetry opens the door to playful words, vivid imagery, and creative thinking. Whether it’s a funny rhyme that makes the whole class laugh or a thoughtful verse that sparks discussion, poetry helps children develop both their reading confidence and their own voice as writers.
Choosing the right poems and anthologies to share with your class will inspire a love of poetry that will last a lifetime. Exciting and relevant poetry can convert reluctant readers, encourage performance and expression and introduce our children to a wide variety of styles and themes. Perhaps they’ll even be able to recite poems they learnt at primary school to their own children and grandchildren!
In this blog, we’ve gathered a selection of recommended poetry books perfect for Key Stage 2. From classic favourites to modern collections, these poems are our absolute favourite sure to bring laughter, debate and passion to your classrooms.
What would it be like to live in the future? Or underwater? What would you do if you could go back in time? Or be a cat? Or a blood cell? What would happen if a monster ate every letter of the alphabet?
In this extraordinary collection of brand new poems, beloved writer and former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen will make you laugh, make you smile, make you think and take you out of this world. Beautifully illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist Ed Vere.
We love this brand new anthology from Michael Rosen that is sure to fill your classroom with laughter. Perfect for sharing at the end of a busy day and for teaching poetry in English lessons.
Fia and her snow deer Solas have always had a powerful and unbreakable connection. But as Fia's village face a seemingly eternal winter, they turn their sights to Solas and an ancient prophecy that promises the return of sunlight and life, if the ultimate sacrifice is made...
Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish run from the village with Solas, seeking out the Deer Mother - the mythical being who wakes the sun at the winter solstice and who might be their only hope. But the wilderness is harsh and shadows lurk at every turn.
Can they make it to the Deer Mother? And, if they do, what choices will Fia face to bring back the sun and save her village? A powerful and beautiful tale set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship.
I Tell Myself I’m Awesome by Joshua Seigal
Whether you are in the mood for something hilariously silly or sentimental, this new collection of witty, reflective, and rather ridiculous poems will lift your mood, spark your imagination, and give your mental health a little boost! Joshua Seigal’s verses will have you pondering life’s big (and small) questions as you encounter a waxy pet lemon, spicy jalapeños and a valiant dog who proves that even the smallest of us can be heroes. This book is a must-have for imaginative young readers and aspiring poets aged 7+ and perfect for KS2.
Funny and thought-provoking answers to curious questions … in poetry form!
Explore the incredible world of non-fiction with much-loved poet Brian Bilston! This hilarious non-fiction collection of 100 poems has subjects ranging from science and animals to unicorns, pyramids, technology and MUCH more. Questions include … How many stars in the Universe exploded today? Who invented football? Who is the champion weightlifter of the animal world? How did the ancient Egyptians make a mummy?
Each fascinating question about the world around us is answered with one of Brian's unforgettable, witty and characterful poems. Expect the hilarious, thought-provoking, poignant – and downright silly! Brian’s poems are accompanied by an extra non-fiction explainer, filled with facts and written with just as much humour and heart as the poems.
This is a beautifully illustrated anthology filled with fantastic poems that you’ll find yourself picking up again and again. The hunt for a poem to match your topic is over with numerous questions that link to the curriculum. These poems are brilliant for sharing at the end of the day, the start of a new topic or during assemblies.
While up in the air, warm and bright, Feathery creatures with wings took flight. Soaring high in the blissful breeze, And deep in the wind whipped waves of the sea. From tiny dots of microscopic bacteria to enormous dinosaurs. Through the Ice Ages and the gallop of evolution.
From cavemen to cars, discover how our world began. Elli Woollard's lyrical text is a pitch-perfect blend of storytelling, science and wonder. Life will fascinate and entertain the curious child, with Dorien Brouwers' immersive artwork heightening the beauty and inspiring awe in readers young and old.
We love this beautiful book that takes you on the journey of life on earth. Highly recommended for sharing during your Evolution topic.
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow
See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his handsayin see ya later to his mate? That’s me: Nathan Wilder Nate. A 10 years old and a week away from the end of Year 5. A Life can be tough in your last year of primary school.
Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate's world turns upside-down.
As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?
A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
Highly recommended as a Year 6 transition text.
Gazing at the stars from five storeys up,smelling the bins from five storeys below. Overheard arguments,overheard laughter. A disappearing father and a Mermaid-Queen mother; statues that sing for flesh and blood; bullies who kick you under the table; perfect red trainers – and the things that lurk in the library….
Award-winning poet Joseph Coelho’s astonishing collection is a powerful and moving poetic narrative about growing up in the city.
A brilliantly illustrated collection of 366 hilarious poems to keep you laughing all year round!
Whether it's a poem about socks or spaniels, eggs or elephants, this bright and brilliant collection will bring you cheer and laughter every day. It’s the perfect way to start or end your school day!
The spectacular range of poems for children includes work by John Agard, Maya Angelou, Hilaire Belloc, Brian Bilston, Lucille Clifton, Wendy Cope, Roald Dahl, Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, Ogden Nash, Grace Nichols, Jack Prelutsky, Michael Rosen, Christina Rossetti, Benjamin Zephaniah and many more.
