The famously lovesick Romeo once declared of the equally famous object of his passion, Juliet, "Come what sorrow can, it cannot countervail the exchange of joy, that one short minute gives me in her sight." As Cupid's holiday comes stealthily tip-toeing round the rosebush, the SLC Reviews team wants to celebrate stories that convey moving portraits of love and passion. From a realistic romance burgeoning between two young men amidst emotional life changes, to a ballad about the courageous warrior Mulan and her romance of equals with Kai, these couples at once echo and expand upon Romeo's lovelorn decree. But we aren't stopping there, for love comes finely arrayed in a rich multiplicity of garb. Sulwe tells the story of a young girl's journey to self-love and self-acceptance and of the affirming connection between a mother and daughter. Likewise, The Blackbird Girls depicts a Romeo and Juliet-like story between two young girls from opposing backgrounds who nonetheless develop a profound and lasting bond of friendship. So, get out the heart-shaped chocolates (and maybe the tissues), and indulge in narratives that reveal the human capacity for passion and love in all its diverse expressions!

Phil Stamper
The Gravity of Us
2020. Bloomsbury Publishing. Grades 6-12

Cal is an ordinary 17-year-old in Brooklyn who has developed a large online following through his Facebook Live-esque reports from around the city…. With almost no notice, the family picks up and moves to Texas, far from everything and everyone Cal knows…. However, Texas turns out much better than expected, leaving Cal's once ironclad plans ever more uncertain. A big part of their new home's surprising appeal comes in the form of Leon, a fellow astronaut's son, with whom Cal begins a very intense romance during a stressful time for both of their families. This title will appeal to many different readers, including scientists, computer programmers, LGBTQ youth, and anyone who enjoys a story of perseverance and resilience. Also notable is the nonchalant approach the author takes towards young love between two male characters.
—Reviewed by Bernie Morrissey
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Lupita Nyong'o
Sulwe
Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. 2020. S & S Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster). Grades PreK-2

The color of Sulwe's skin is like none other in her family and this makes her feel uncomfortable and unwanted. Her personal struggle keeps her from liking herself and even those around her. She prays for beauty in the form of lighter skin, but her prayers go unanswered. She is so troubled by her situation that she shares her hurt with her mother, who reminds her that beauty comes from within and acceptance starts with oneself…. It is a well written story with universal appeal that will capture the hearts of those who experience it, especially the many readers who have struggled with standard conceptualizations of beauty and self-acceptance.
—Reviewed by Maria J. Sexton
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Anne Blankman
The Blackbird Girls
2020. Viking Children's Books (Penguin Young Readers Group). Grades 6-12

….Fifth-graders Valentina Kaplan and Oksana Savchenko were neighbors and staunch enemies. Coming from a Jewish family, Valentina was accustomed to the vitriol from Ukrainians like Oksana and her parents, and was often bullied at school. As a result of the [1986 Chernobyl] explosion, however, residents are forced to evacuate and Valentina and Oksana find themselves journeying together to Valentina's estranged grandmother in Leningrad. The girls soon learn that pain can be experienced in many ways and they eventually overcome their differences to develop a deep friendship…. This title weaves a beautiful, bittersweet tale of courage, resilience, and how love can ultimately overcome ingrained hatred and prejudice. This book is an tribute to those who suffered at the hands of cruelty and survived to tell a tale of love and friendship that transcends time and place.
—Reviewed by Martha Hubbard
Full review will be available March 1st!