Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that tends to feel geared toward the younger crowd—think candy hearts, class parties, and cards with cartoon characters. But what about older students? How do we bring the themes of love, kindness, and connection into classrooms with more mature readers?
When I set out to write this post, I thought finding picture books for older students that tie into Valentine’s Day would be simple. It wasn’t. Most Valentine’s books are too juvenile to hold the attention of students in grades 3 – 5. But after digging through countless titles, I discovered five options that not only fit the bill but also provide rich opportunities for reflection, discussion, and creative activities.
Whether you’re looking to inspire your students with stories of kindness, explore the history of Valentine’s Day, or spark meaningful writing projects, these books are sure to engage your class and make the holiday meaningful. Bonus: I’ve included a few activity suggestions to help you maximize each book’s impact.
Before diving in, I want to mention that while I’ve linked each book on Amazon for your convenience, I’m not an affiliate and don’t earn a commission if you decide to purchase. If I were in your shoes, I’d check out your local library or school library first — you might just save a few dollars!
I absolutely adore this book! Mr. Hatch is a lonely man with a predictable daily routine — nothing exciting, nothing special. But one Valentine’s Day, he receives a mysterious package that changes everything. This simple gesture transforms his outlook on life and how he connects with others.
This heartwarming story is perfect for exploring themes of kindness, compassion, and the power of small gestures. Use it to discuss character growth and theme, or inspire students to spread kindness in your classroom or school during Valentine’s week.
If your class has struggled with bullying or showing empathy, this book is a game-changer. Chloe, the main character, chooses not to befriend a new girl, Maya, in her class. After a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes the impact of her choices, but it’s too late. Maya has moved away.
This powerful story opens the door to meaningful conversations about the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. It’s a great way to make Valentine’s Day more about connection and less about candy.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by learning about its origins? This book delves into the holiday’s mysterious history, including the legends of St. Valentine and the traditions that shape how we celebrate today.
This title is an excellent resource for incorporating a bit of history into your Valentine’s Day lessons. It’s engaging, informative, and provides plenty of opportunities for cross-curricular connections.
Feelings can be tough for older students to articulate, but this book makes the process a little easier. Using beautiful figurative language, the author describes a range of emotions through the lens of how her heart feels.
This book is perfect for a Valentine’s Day writing prompt. After reading, have students choose an emotion and describe how their hearts feel using figurative language. It’s a creative way to blend reading and writing while building emotional awareness.
Short, sweet, and beautifully poetic, this book explores the concept of love in all its forms. Its simple language makes it accessible, but its depth makes it meaningful for older students.
After reading, invite your students to write their own “Love Is…” poems. This activity not only ties into Valentine’s Day but also encourages students to reflect on what love means to them in a broader sense.
Valentine’s Day in upper elementary doesn’t have to feel forced or superficial. These picture books provide the perfect foundation for meaningful discussions, activities, and lessons that your students will remember long after the holiday has passed.
Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day read-aloud for older students? I’d love to hear your recommendations. Share them in the comments!
