My Heart Says…

What do Anne from Anne of Green Gables and George Michael Bluth from Arrested Development have in common?  Both characters knew the great significance of a Valentine’s Day candy heart.  For the second year in a row, we’re celebrating the significance of this staple candy of Valentine’s Day by pairing the sayings with appropriate books.  Don’t know what to read next?  Close your eyes, grab a chalky heart from the bowl in the break room, and read accordingly.

	Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Ever gotten lost in a story? This is the book for anyone who has, and for anyone who  can understand why reading aloud to someone who is resting his head on your shoulder until you’re hoarse is one of the most romantic ways to spend an evening.
	Fat Angie by E.E. Charlreton-Trujillo Instead of eating, her therapist suggests to “Just count.  Counting is like eating.”  But Angie knows it’s not true, as much as she knows that K.C. Romance is like no one she’s ever met before – she’s someone who can see beyond the surface and understand what is underneath.
	The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Yes, there really are Sweethearts that say “Occupy My <3" this year.  If you don't think that's a creepy way to express your love, then there's no other book for you than The 5th Wave, and that's all I'm going to say about that.
	Noggin by John Corey Whaley Five years after his head was removed and cryogenically frozen in hopes of a cure for his terminal cancer being discovered, Travis awakes in a new body (with the same head) and a new puzzle: how to win back his girlfriend when he never intended to lose her to begin with?
	Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor Zoe and Liv have been through everything together, from their first days of ballet class, to the worst day ever – the day they were both cut from their ballet troupe. But soon, that tragedy pales in comparison to the difficulties that they face when Zoe is diagnosed with leukemia. The truest love isn’t always romantic. Read and cry over this poignant coming of age book with your own BFF.
	Cress by Marissa Meyer Expanding on the Lunar Chronicles from Cinder and Scarlet, Cress re-imagines the character of Rapunzel as a young woman orbiting high above the earth in a satellite.  Isolation does have its benefits though, as she’s had ample times to hone her computer skills.
	Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young In her grandmother’s final moments, Caroline is faced with a fateful decision: stay with her or take her best friend up on the invitation to get away for a few minutes.  With her life split into “stay” and “go” trajectories, will she ever end up being the person – and being with the person – she is meant to be and be with? Does she even have a choice in the matter, or is her destiny fated?
	Cherry Money Baby by John M. Cusick She didn’t mean to save a movie star’s life.  She didn’t mean to abandon her beloved trailer park life.  She didn’t mean to cheat on her boyfriend.  She didn’t mean to forget who she was… Cherry’s plan to marry her high school sweetheart and settle down in her small town is thrown for a loop when she catches a million dollar glimpse of how the other half lives.  Before she can commit to a new way of life or a major life change, she needs to get back to her roots.

Want to make your own hearts? I used this brilliantly simple site and you can too!
Want to build on this and host a conversation heart fest? Here are Fourteen Conversation Heart Crafts, and you can always just see who can stack them the highest too.

Happy Valentine’s Day, from everyone here at the Teen Librarian Toolbox!

-Heather

Filed under: Booklists, Love Stories, Valentine's Day