All Kinds of Love Stories
Reviews by Melissa Oxborrow

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[February 06, 2015]   Celebrate Valentine’s Day and check out these books for all ages that highlight different types of love…

Boy + Bot
by Ame Dyckman,
 illustrated by Dan Yaccarino,
c2012


What makes a true friend? Get ready to find out in this funny and sweet picture book!

When a boy and a robot meet one day in the woods they don’t focus on their differences, they just decide to play together. When Bot gets switched off accidentally, Boy thinks he’s sick---and that’s when the fun begins. Can Boy help Bot? And when the tables are turned will Bot return the favor? The answer will make you giggle and warm your heart. This is a great choice for children, ages 2 – 7, especially when used as a read-aloud. Trust me, the kids love it when you do the robot voice.


Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch, c2015
 


This picture book is based on the true story of German-born American, Christopher Ludwick, an unsung American hero, who made a difference---with his delicious gingerbread! When the Revolutionary War begins, Christopher wants to fight for “his America” alongside General George Washington and his troops. But what General Washington and his army really needs is some decent food. With his cry of “No empty bellies here! Not in my America!” Christopher makes his mark during this fascinating time in history. A largely unknown snippet of American history told with heart and dressed up in beautiful colored illustrations, this is a touching tale of one man’s love for his country and its citizens. It’s a wonderful pick for children, grades 1 – 4. (Book includes a simple gingerbread recipe.)


The Crossover
by Kwame Alexander,
c2014


The twelve-year-old Bell twins, Josh and Jordan love basketball---and they’re good, really good. But basketball is only part of the bond that they’ve shared for a long time. Now, though, Josh feels like they’re growing apart. You see, there’s this girl that both Josh and Jordan like and their Dad and Mom seem to be fighting a lot. And Dad hasn’t been feeling well…

This powerful story of the love of family is told in verse and is a great way to introduce poetry to a hesitant audience. It is a novel for school-age children, grades 4 – 7, and has just been named the Newbery Award winner for 2015, and is also a Coretta Scott King Honor book. A fast read with action on the court interspersed with heart-breaking scenes between friends and family, it’s a book you shouldn’t miss.

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The Heartbreak Messenger
by Alexander Vance,
c2013


Twelve-year-old Quentin is about to get a crash course in what it means to fall in love---or fall out of it. Desperate for cash, Quentin agrees to help his best friend’s brother break up with his girlfriend. Before he knows it, he’s got a thriving business as the “Heartbreak Messenger”. As he goes from broken heart to broken heart with his break-up messages, will he learn what it is to really love someone? And will his new job help him navigate the changes in his relationship with his best friend Abigail? This is a poignant, but humorous tale of friendship and love, filled with well-drawn characters. It’s a fabulous read for boys and girls, grades 5 - 8.
 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
by Jennifer E. Smith,
c2012


Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes---and your whole life changes. When Hadley Sullivan misses her flight for her father’s wedding in London she’s forced to take a later one. And that’s when she meets Oliver: British, beautiful—and bonus---so easy to talk to! When their hours-long flight seems to pass in moments, seventeen-year-old Hadley finds herself hoping that this is more than just a chance encounter, that maybe this is the start of something she’s waited for a long time. But when they lose track of each other in the busyness of Heathrow Airport, it will take a twist of fate to bring them together again. Young adults, grades 7 and up, will love this story of a couple trying to find their way. Not “just” a romance it is a story of family, of self-discovery---and yes, of love at first sight.

[By MELISSA OXBORROW, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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