📚 Best Children’s Poetry Books for KS2 – 10 Inspiring Picks for Your Classroom ✨
Introduction 🌟
The following are 10 poetry books that I would love to have in my classroom if I were still a primary school teacher. I could have easily chosen 50 more from my collection of children’s poetry, but these stood out for me for different reasons. Some are anthologies featuring dozens of poets I admire. Others are single-author collections. All of them include poems that children will love to read, perform and share.
Aliens Stole My Underpants 2 has a special place in my heart because it includes the first poem I ever had published — thank you Brian Moses for that!
If you are a poet friend whose book I have missed, forgive me. There is so much brilliant work out there.
👉 If you’re looking for the best children’s poetry books for KS2 to inspire your pupils, this list is a great starting point.
1. A Million Brilliant Poems (chosen by Roger Stevens) 📖
This lively anthology is full of variety. Teachers can choose from funny, thoughtful and surprising poems, making it a great all-rounder.
Classroom use: Works well for daily read-alouds, sharing a poem of the week, or building a class collection of favourites.
🔗 Related: 10 Fun Poetry Activities for KS2 Classrooms
2. The New Kid on the Block (Jack Prelutsky) 👦
Jack Prelutsky is known for playful rhymes and imaginative ideas. His humour appeals to children who may not usually enjoy poetry.
Classroom use: A strong choice for engaging reluctant readers and inspiring performance poetry in KS2.
🔗 Related: How to Teach Poetry Writing to Reluctant KS2 Writers
3. The World at Our Feet – Football Poems (chosen by Paul Cookson) ⚽
This book blends humour, energy and the excitement of football. It is especially popular with children who are passionate about sport.
Classroom use: Great for sports-themed literacy lessons, motivating reluctant writers and linking poetry to PE.
4. The Dictionary of Dads (Justin Coe) 👨👧
This inventive collection explores different kinds of dads. Some poems are hilarious, while others are touching and reflective.
Classroom use: Encourages pupils to explore character and voice in poetry. A fun way to spark creative writing about families and relationships.
5. Where the Sidewalk Ends (Shel Silverstein) 🌍
One of the most beloved children’s poetry books worldwide. It mixes witty rhymes with quirky illustrations that have timeless appeal.
Classroom use: Perfect for introducing rhythm, rhyme and nonsense verse in KS2, as well as exploring the link between words and pictures.
🔗 Related: Teaching Rhyme and Rhythm in KS2 Made Easy
6. 1066 and Before That – History Poems (Brian Moses & Roger Stevens) 🏰
This clever anthology makes history engaging through rhyme and humour. It takes well-known events and gives them a creative twist.
Classroom use: Ideal for cross-curricular poetry in KS2, especially combining literacy with history topics.
🔗 Related: Cross-Curricular Poetry Ideas for KS2
7. Aliens Stole My Underpants 2 (chosen by Brian Moses) 👽
This anthology is packed with fun and silliness. It is also special to me personally because it includes the first poem I ever published.
Classroom use: A brilliant example of how humorous poetry can build confidence and encourage children to have fun with words.
8. Animal Magic (Liz Brownlee) 🐾
This book celebrates animals and the natural world. The poems are gentle, lyrical and thought-provoking.
Classroom use: Excellent for linking literacy with science and nature. A good way to encourage pupils to explore environmental themes through poetry.
9. What Are We Fighting For? (Brian Moses & Roger Stevens) ✌️
This collection explores themes of war and peace in a way that is thoughtful and accessible for KS2 pupils.
Classroom use: Supports PSHE poetry activities and history lessons, encouraging empathy, discussion and reflective writing.
🔗 Related: Poetry & PSHE: Wellbeing Activities for KS2
10. The Upside Down Frown (chosen by Andrew Fusek Peters) 🔄
A playful anthology of shape poems. It shows that poetry can be visual as well as verbal, opening up different ways of learning.
Classroom use: A useful resource for introducing calligrams and shape poems in KS2, with strong links to art and design.
🔗 Related: How to Teach Calligrams in KS2
Conclusion 🎉
These are just 10 of the best children’s poetry books for KS2, but there are many more that deserve a place in classrooms. Poetry books give pupils the chance to read, share and perform a wide range of voices. They can laugh, think deeply and even learn history or science through verse.
If you would like your pupils to bring poetry to life with performance, rhythm and fun, book me for an in-school or online poetry workshop.
