Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming, pleasant love triangle with hopeful messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LUNAR NEW YEAR LOVE STORY, Valentina wants to believe that her family's love curse won't affect her like it has her parents and grandparents. But the ghostly spirit of St. Valentine keeps appearing asking for her heart so she'll never have to worry about being in love. Meanwhile, there are two boys who are vying for her attention. Will she risk everything for love or shut herself off to the possibility of being hurt?
Is It Any Good?
In this light-hearted, charming romance graphic novel for young adult readers love wins over pessimism and bitterness. In Lunar New Year Love Story, Valentina's both likable and believable, bringing a realistic, universal representation of teenage longing for a kind of love that's genuine and real. Valentina's family backstory is unique and interesting: Her parents and grandparents have not succeeded in their love stories and Valentina has had visions of St. Valentine's spirit consistently throughout her life.
The boys who make up the love triangle with Val are believable in their differences, with Leslie's charm contrasted to Jae's softness a set up for understandable drama. Some readers may be disappointed that the happy ending is never all that in doubt, but when the drama clears, the conclusion manages to satisfy and Val is able to figure out exactly what she wants out of love. Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) sets this hopeful love story in Oakland, California's diverse Asian American community, which LeUyen Pham (Princess in Black series) brings to life in colorful spreads that capture Lunar New Year lion dances, supernatural beings, and characters' interactions in expressive, engaging art. This isn't an explosive read, but what's here is light, sweet, and full of comfortable charm.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about depictions of love in young adult romances. Did you find Valentina's view of love in Lunar New Year Love Story believable and realistic?
How does Valentina show compassion and support for her friends and family? What do you think are her best traits?
What did you first think about the character of Leslie? What did you first think about the character of Jae?
Thinking about when Valentina meets her mother again for the first time, would you have reacted the same? Why or why not?
Was the ending satisfying? Could anything have made the conclusion more rewarding?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : LeUyen Pham
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : January 9, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate