5 Valentine’s Day Book Ideas for Young Adults

By: Kristine Deitz

Assorted chocolates. Heart-shaped candy. Homemade cards. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and every kid, including my own, are on the hunt to find the perfect Valentine to hand out to their friends.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day each year, I like to get my kids something that shows them how much I love them. Instead of choosing the traditional chocolates or candy, I like to give each of my kids a new book. After all, I know that they’ll get more than their fair share of sweets from their classmates. Despite my annual ritual, they’re always pleasantly surprised at the books I select for them, even as they get older. My secret: Renaissance’s annual What Kids Are Reading report which outlines the top books read by grade level. Below are five Valentine’s Day book ideas for young adults that caught my eye from this year’s report:

1. Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet remains a staple in high schools nationwide. The tale of two that have fallen in love, despite being from feuding families, remains relevant today. Romeo and Juliet is a great gift for high school students and fits well within the Valentine’s Day theme. 

       2. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green

Young adults may easily recognize The Fault in Our Stars as it was recently made into a movie, but it shares a story that is truly inspiring. It tells the tale of Hazel, a terminally ill cancer patient who falls in love with Augustus, an ex-basketball player and amputee. Popular with middle and high school students, the book and movie makes a nice little gift.

       3.  Paper Towns – John Green

Also by John Green, Paper Towns follows Quentin as he searches for his neighbor and childhood sweetheart. Like The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns shares a memorable and courageous story. Give your kids The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns and ask them which one they enjoyed more. Chances are, they’ll have a hard time deciding!

      4. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby follows Jay Gatsby’s memorable summer with Daisy Buchanan as they live in the roaring 1920s. A favorite among kids and adults, The Great Gatsby is an enchanting tale that brings to life a vibrant time period that can now only be found in literature and history books.

      5.  The Giver – Lois Lowry

The Giver tells the tale of Jonas, an eleven-year-old boy that lives in a futuristic society where there is no pain, fear, war, or hatred. The book’s setting starts as a utopia which slowly evolves throughout the story. Young adults will love navigating the complex world of relationships and society.

Need more book ideas? Check out the What Kids Are Reading report for the top fiction and nonfiction books by grade, subject area, and more.