By the staff of Frederick County Public Libraries
This season, we celebrate Valentine’s Day—and the love of friendship and family—in books that explore connections of all kinds, from siblings and grandparents to culture and community. Read through these stories with your child as you reflect on the love you share as a family.
Picture Books
“I’ll Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”
by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson
The love we have for our children is bigger than what we can put into words. This lyrical book speaks to the bonds we form with our children—through the good and bad times, the silly times and snuggles.
“Silver Linings”
by Fiona Woodcock
Pip and Parker are best friends, and can even communicate without words. Parker always helps Pip find the silver lining, but will Pip be able to help Parker when he is feeling blue?
Early Readers
“Ali the Great and the Paper Airplane Flop”
by Saadia Faruqi
During indoor recess, Ali teaches his second-grade classmates how to build and fly paper airplanes. Ali is disappointed when his plane does not win the flying contest but soon learns that friendship and teamwork make him a winner!
“The Secret of the Jade Bangle”
by Linda Trinh
Meet 9-year-old Anne and her siblings in the first story of an early chapter book series exploring culture and identity through the eyes of siblings. A jade bangle passed to Anne by her late grandmother contains a secret power, but Anne realizes the true power lies in the love of her ancestors that will always be with her.
Middle Readers
“Emmy in the Key of Code”
by Aimee Lucido
In this innovative middle grade novel, coding and music take center stage as new girl Emmy tries to find her place in a new school.
“Hello Universe”
by Erin Entrada Kelly
The lives of four misfits are intertwined when a bully’s prank lands shy Virgil at the bottom of a well and Valencia, Kaori and Gen band together in an epic quest to find and rescue him.
Teen Readers
“Darius the Great is Not Okay”
by Adib Khorram
Clinically depressed Darius Kellner, a high school sophomore, travels to Iran to meet his grandparents, but it is their next-door neighbor, Sohrab, who changes his life.
“When the Ground is Hard”
by Malla Nunn
At Swaziland’s Keziah Christian Academy, where the wealth and color of one’s father determines one’s station, once-popular Adele bonds with poor Lottie over a book and a series of disasters.
Downloadable
“Nancy Wins at Friendship”
by Olivia James
Perfect for reluctant readers with an appetite for humor, Nancy and Friends accurately depicts school and social life in the 21st century and will be a joy for parents and teachers as well as children. Download the e-book from ComicsPlus Kids (fcpl.org/downloads/ebooks-kids)
