19 Love Songs
#1 of 3 in Every Day Series
on Goodreads (239,808)
What’s inside...
In '19 Love Songs', New York Times bestselling author David Levithan presents a collection of stories that originated from his tradition of writing stories for his friends on Valentine's Day. The book features a Valentine's Day in the life of 'A', the protagonist from 'Every Day', revisits characters from 'Two Boys Kissing', and explores unrequited love within a school team. With wit, romance, and honesty, Levithan writes about the various facets of love, appealing to both teenagers and adults. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Discussion points
Which story in '19 Love Songs' resonated with you the most, and why?
How do the different characters express their feelings of love? Can you relate to any of these expressions?
What does this collection of stories teach us about the different forms love can take?
How do you think the author uses music and songs to enhance the theme of love in the book?
If you could write your own love song or story, what important message would you want to include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story by asking them which characters they felt most connected to.
Discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance in love as illustrated by the different relationships in the book.
Use the stories as an opportunity to talk about the expression of love in friendships and family, not just romantic relationships.
Relate the stories to personal experiences or real-world events to deepen the understanding and relevance of the themes.
Create a small creative project, like writing a poem or a song, inspired by the themes in the book to make the discussion more interactive and fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Through the varied stories in '19 Love Songs', David Levithan showcases characters from different backgrounds and orientations, encouraging readers to see life through others' eyes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing more empathy towards their peers, understanding that everyone has a unique story and deserves respect.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: The book portrays characters who express their love and emotions through different forms, such as music and poetry, reinforcing the importance of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to express themselves openly in various artistic forms whether it be through writing, drawing, or music, helping them cope with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty in relationships
Explanation: The narratives depict how honesty strengthens relationships, whether they are friendships or romantic connections.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life by encouraging them to be truthful and open in their interactions with others, building trust and solid relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience through emotional challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book experience ups and downs in their relationships, teaching lessons of resilience when facing emotional stress.
Real-World Application: Children learn to navigate their own emotional ups and downs in friendships and everyday interactions, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with resilience.
Example Lesson: Celebrating individuality and inclusivity
Explanation: The book highlights characters celebrating their unique identities and relationships, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and celebrate each person's unique traits and to create an inclusive environment for all.