The Legend of the Valentine: An Inspirational Story of Love and Reconciliation

by Katherine Grace Bond, Don Tate (Illustrator)

Marcus, a nine-year-old African-American boy living in Alabama in the sixties, learns the true meaning of valentines as he is faced with whether or not to forgive his classmates and others who have hurt him and his family. His wise grandmother tells him the true story of St. Valentine, who lived out his faith by loving others with the love of Christ and who was persecuted and put to death by the Roman government. An especially tender moment occurs when Marcus’s mother and he receive a handmade valentine from his father, who has been jailed because of his nonviolent protests in support of civil rights.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Katherine Grace Bond's books include the YA novel The Summer of No Regrets (about finding the meaning of life and death when the boy next door may be a movie star in hiding), its companion Luke's Journal (which will let you know whether or not he is), the bestselling The Legend of the Valentine, a children's book about the Civil Rights Movement, and three poetry collections, including Considering Flight (about the uneasy dance between parent and child on the razor’s edge of mental illness.) For her Work-in-Progress, Looking Glass Girl, about a young artist who time-travels to Impressionist France trying to break a family curse, she traveled to France twice to see if she could chase down Manet.

You can get her news in your inbox by going here: https://katherinegracebond.ck.page/ef...

Katherine also writes on writing, race, family, and relationships on Medium.

When she’s not writing, she plays fiddle in an Irish band called The Scuppermonkeys.

Reviews

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this story that's a hard part of history and makes it so relatable for children to apply the gospel. It teaches children to love their enemies, but not be submissive.
It's a historical fiction story from a child's point-of-view of the civil rights marches.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus wanted to come to school, the law allowed him to now, but not many other colored kids did. It's hard at school for Marcus, especially because of Travis, the boy who's bullying him for his skin color. To top it off, Marcus' dad is in jail with others like Martin Luther King Jr.

At home, Grandma wants Marcus to make valentine's to pass out a school the next day. But seeing as Marcus doesn't have any friends, except for maybe Davey, Marcus has no desire to pass any valentines out to anyone. Grandma then tells Marcus the legend of the first Valentine, the man after whom the holiday is named after. He was a man persecuted for his faith, but who chose to demonstrate love and kindness, even to his captors.

This is a good book to get an introduction to the man behind the holiday.

[Miri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story but if you are expecting lighthearted Valentine's fun, pick something else, themes include the main character's father being in jail during the civil rights movement of the 60's for protesting for votes for African Americans. The Little boy is bullied in school for the color of his skin, shortly after the school desegregation act.

[Cheryl Neer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents and teachers of children ages 5- third grade, this is a lovely book sharing the message of Jesus' love through the lens of U.S. History with MLK Jr, and the legend of St. Valentine. Unfortunately, it is out of print. If you come across this book, it is a treasure!

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful story of forgiveness and love that combines Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement with St. Valentine and his holiday. This is the perfect read for teachers to discuss both holidays and their message of love for one another.

[Jarvis "Mclovin" · Rating 1 out of 5]

poor marcus :(

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Draws correlation between St. Valentine and those unfairly jailed during the civil rights movement in America in the 60's.

Open-ended ending