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:
- 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.
I am all about encouraging everyone to read. You have given some classics and some other great reads.
I have not heard of some of these titles before. They look like books that great Valentine’s day books to read.
The Great Gatsby has to be one of my all time favs. Great choice for anyone.
I know so many kids that are into John Green. Apparently his books are super romantic to the YA set these days!
I’ve always enjoyed reading, since I was a very young girl. I promised myself I’d allow myself more free time to do it this year.
OMG! the fault in our Stars is such a good book!!! So sad, but oh so Romantic! I haven’t read the last three books! Can’t wait!
The Giver is one of my favorite books of all times and so many of my middle school students loved John Green’s books. I just love your book picks!
This is a great list. I’ve been meaning to read Paper Towns, but I haven’t had the chance. Hopefully, this weekend I could go back to reading again.
I love the Great Gatsby and Romeo And Juliet. I think you would win my heart if you gave me that., I am a William Shakespeare lover. Great gift ideas for the little people in your life.
I love the Great Gatsby and Romeo And Juliet. I think you would win my heart if you gave me that., I am a William Shakespeare lover. Great gift ideas for the little people in your life. Lovely!
The books by John Greene are good reads. I love them myself, as the story appeals to various age groups. Romeo and Juliet is a classic that I can read over and over again.
I love the idea of getting the kids books instead of candy for Valentine’s day gifts. This is a great list of books too. The Renaissance’s annual What Kids Are Reading report sounds like a great place to check out what the kids of all ages and grades are reading. Thanks for sharing the information.
I have been looking for something to read and these all sound like great recommendations. These would also make great gifts for a friend.
I love a good book. My state is currently flooding so this would be great to stay in and relax and enjoy the quite and your own thoughts.
I love a good book. My state is currently flooding so this would be great to stay in and relax and enjoy the quiet and your own thoughts.
These sound like some great books. I don’t think I have read these yet.
There are so many great reads here. I remember reading a lot of these in school. I especially love the giver.
I personally love the book ” Fault in our stars”! I love reading the book more that the movie of it.
These are such great book options. I have read most of them, but now I want to share them with my daughter.
Oooo so many great book suggestions!!!! I will have to check a few out and see what all the hype is about!!!!