Saint Valentine's Day

While a young man’s fancy may turn to love in the spring, it’s on everyone’s mind as February 14th, a.k.a. St. Valentine’s Day, approaches. These reading passages celebrate the holiday and some of the greatest lovebirds in literature and history.

Friendship in a Bottle

Ari was a lonely lad who lived on a large island called Iceland. His village was a fishing hamlet along the green, rugged coastline, and Ari often wondered what lay beyond the horizon. The days were long and cold, and he spent many hours of silence in his tiny cottage…

Cupid’s Broken Glasses

Cupid went to bed early. Tomorrow was a big day! Every year he went flying around, shooting his special arrows at people to make them fall in love. Valentine’s Day was always the busiest time for him.   He took a final look at his Love List. It held the…

Capulet’s Garden

Act II, Scene 2: The party at the Capulet house is over, and Romeo has left after meeting Juliet for the first time. He is avoiding his friends and has climbed into the Capulet’s garden. ————————- [Enter Romeo.] Romeo. He jests at scars that never felt a wound.- [Juliet appears…

The Courtship of Miles Standish

In 1858, Henry Wadsworth  Longfellow wrote the poem The Courtship of Miles Standish. One of his most popular romantic poems, it tells of a love triangle between three Pilgrims from Plymouth Colony. Both Miles Standish and John Alden are in love with Priscilla Mullins. Standish is a brash soldier and…

Abigail Smith Gets to Know John Adams

Mary rushed into her sister’s room. “Abigail! Abigail! Richard’s friend John Adams, our third cousin, wants to visit with you. He was at the outing we had last week and took a fancy to your intelligence.” Abigail spun around with a big smile. “Oh, yes. He has a wonderful sense…

The Dragon’s Valentines

Ember the Dragon was feeling pretty happy. Her class was having a party for Valentine’s Day. Everyone had brought in treats and cards to share. Her friend Prism, a unicorn, made rainbow-colored marshmallows. Coral the Mermaid had fresh sushi rolls, and Patrick the Leprechaun shared some of his gold chocolate…