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Looking for your next in-class novel or a list of timely independent reading recommendations this February? These Valentine’s Day books explore themes like love, identity, belonging, and emotional growth.
Use Newsela ELA’s novel studies to explore curated articles, videos, and lesson ideas to help students build background knowledge and strengthen text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-media connections.
[Books about identity, friendship, and emotional growth](id-identity)
Key takeaways:
These books support life skills conversations around friendship, belonging, and self-acceptance.
Newsela’s Novel and Book Studies add real-world context to themes of identity, conflict, and emotional development.
Selections are ideal for whole-class novel discussions or small-group book clubs.
How does “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” explore identity and belonging?
Sáenz’s novel follows two Mexican-American teens as they navigate identity, masculinity, and family secrets while forming a life-changing friendship. To build background knowledge, pair the novel with resources on topics like:
How does “Stargirl” help students reflect on individuality, belonging, and social pressure?
Spinelli’s “Stargirl” focuses on a new student whose authenticity challenges her classmates’ ideas of popularity and acceptance. Students can explore what it means to be themselves in friendships, social groups, and other relationships.
How animal groups also experience peer pressure during adolescence.
[Books that explore love, health, and emotional resilience](id-love)
Key takeaways:
These stories help students examine love alongside vulnerability, illness, or grief.
Newsela articles add scientific and psychological context to support understanding.
Ideal for life skills lessons or cross-curricular ELA and science connections.
What can students learn about risk-taking and emotional vulnerability from “Everything, Everything”?
Yoon’s novel follows Maddie, a teen living with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), as she faces her fears and moves toward independence and love. Students can relate to her courage and the tension between safety and self-discovery.
How does “The Fault in Our Stars" help students think about grief, purpose, and connection?
John Green’s story about two teens who meet in a cancer support group encourages reflection on love, loss, and what makes life meaningful. Pair this book with resources on the following topics to build background knowledge of heavier emotional themes:
[Books about culture, relationships, and social expectations](id-culture)
Key takeaways:
These novels explore how culture, family, and society shape relationships.
Newsela ELA resources support the building of historical, cultural, and social context.
Ideal for comparative essays or explorations of relationship norms across eras.
How does “The Book of Unknown Americans” reveal the intersections of love, identity, and immigration?
Henriquez’s novel follows a Mexican family who immigrates to the U.S. for medical treatment. As the story unfolds, the characters face hopes, challenges, and relationships that shape life in a new country.
Students gain insight into the experiences of immigrant families and the role the community plays in shaping identity. Support background knowledge of these themes with resources on topics like:
How does “The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali” explore culture, expectations, and identity?
Khan’s novel follows Rukhsana Ali, a Bengali Muslim teen navigating tension between her conservative family’s expectations and her own identity. Students can explore how culture and tradition influence boundaries, choices, and expressions of love.
What relationships and societal expectations come into play in “Pride and Prejudice”?
Austen’s classic follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy as they confront class differences, first impressions, and social biases. Students can explore how personal values and societal pressures can shape love and relationships.
You can enhance students’ understanding of the story with resources like:
An article that explains how gender stereotypes become rooted in society by age 10.
How does “Romeo and Juliet” illustrate the tensions of forbidden love and family conflict?
Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy explores themes of loyalty, impulsivity, and the consequences of family feuds. Students can connect with the portrayals of passion, choice, and the desire for independence.
Whether your students love romance, appreciate classics, or prefer stories about friendship and identity, there’s a book for every reader just waiting for them. Newsela ELA’s Novel and Book Studies collection helps students build background knowledge, practice in-context literacy skills, and explore diverse perspectives.
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