Book details
A Taxonomy of Love
Description
The moment Spencer meets Hope the summer before seventh grade, it's . . . something at first sight. He knows she's special, possibly even magical. The pair become fast friends, climbing trees and planning world travels. After years of being outshone by his older brother and teased because of his Tourette syndrome, Spencer finally feels like he belongs. But as Hope and Spencer get older and life gets messier, the clear label of "friend" gets messier, too. Through sibling feuds and family tragedies, new relationships and broken hearts, the two grow together and apart, and Spencer, an aspiring scientist, tries to map it all out using his trusty system of taxonomy. He wants to identify and classify their relationship, but in the end, he finds that life doesn't always fit into easy-to-manage boxes, and it's this messy complexity that makes life so rich and beautiful.
Age
12-13
Text complexity
beginner
Length
336 pages
Why to read
- Exploration of Relationships: 'A Taxonomy of Love' by Rachael Allen delves into the complexities of relationships, not just romantic ones but also familial and friendships, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of human connections.
- Character Development: The book offers a rich portrayal of its characters, especially the protagonist Spencer, who grows and evolves throughout the story, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven narratives.
- Diversity and Representation: With a cast that includes characters on the autism spectrum and those dealing with mental health issues, the book provides representation that can be both educational and validating for readers.
- Unique Structure: The novel's unique structure, which includes a mix of narrative prose, texts, letters, and even flow charts, keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging, encouraging readers to think about love and life in different formats.