My Lit Crushes

In honor of Valentines Day (and my upcoming program at work on lit crushes) I thought I'd share my favorite lit crushes. I tried to think about lit crushes from childhood, but I just didn't have any I could think of. I read a lot of Babysitter's Club in elementary school, and while Logan was a great boyfriend, he wasn't someone I crushed on. So most of these are more current.

10. Almonzo Wilder from The Little House Series-This one doesn't make much sense, since I refused to read a series out of order and never got around to reading past reading Little House in the Big Woods and Little House on the Prairie. But then in middle school I went through this obsession with the TV show and I fell in love with Almonzo. So this was more a TV-fueled crush and thankfully, it was pretty short lived.

9. Laurie from Little Women-I don't think I actually ever finished the book-I got mad every time Jo rejected Laurie-but I adored the movie as a kid. I would get annoyed that Laurie had to go and marry Amy, so I was grateful that the 90's version at least dipped into that storyline more, because the version I watched faithfully as a child had them just randomly showing up at the end married. I still think Jo and Laurie should have gotten married-the Professor wasn't nearly as crush-worthy in my mind.

8. Dave the Laugh from the Georgia Nicolson Series-Robbie is pretty cool and really, Masimo just annoys me. Out of Georgia's boyfriends, Dave the Laugh is my favorite. He's totally the type of guy I would have fallen for in high school.

7. Finn from Something, Maybe-Elizabeth Scott writes very crush-worthy boys, but right now Finn takes the top spot. He's funny and sweet and he's got a snarky side. He's so good to Hannah and every scene with him in it made me swoon.

6. Calvin from A Wrinkle In Time-This is one I don't think I realized at the time, but came to me while I was making this list. I really enjoyed this book as a kid-I related to shy awkward Meg Murray who was moody and protective of her younger siblings. Meg and Claudia from From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler competed as my favorite lit characters of my late elementary/early middle school years. Calvin went on an adventure with Meg and Charles Wallace, he was brave, and he loved Meg, even though she was shy and smart. I think Meg and Calvin gave me hope for my future love life.

5. Alex from Roswell High-I LOVED this series as a teen-this was a series my friends and I would rush to the bookstore and grab each book on it's release day. Max and Michael were great too, but a little angsty for me and I had a soft spot for Alex. He put up with all of Isabel's annoying traits and still loved her. I was very upset when they made his character small in the TV series.

4. Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter Series-I can't really explain this one, but I just love Ron! I love his family, so maybe that's secretly where my love stems from. I also have to cheer for him because he's the underdog-Harry gets everything and Ron is the sidekick, but I think he's also more fun. My husband had me convinced before HP6 was released that Ron was going to die-I would get so mad arguing with him, I'd almost be in tears! So yeah, I love Ron. I also love Fred and George and really, I think I might take Bill or Charlie just to be part of the family! (And yes, I would pass on Percy-he's too political and he reminds of the suck ups I went to school with who were annoying. I just don't think I could deal with him.)

3. Po from Graceling-Po is one hot lit boy! He supports Katsa, he cares about his family, he can fight yet he's not afraid to have fun. I think Po and Katsa have the best lit relationship ever created. I love the fact that they develop a strong friendship first and it's not a "love at first sight/we're destined to be together" thing. Plus, they have a great banter that makes me fall in love.

2. Peeta from The Hunger Games-Oh yes, I'm totally Team Peeta!! One, he has loved Katniss for so long and makes sure she's taken care of, even before the games threw them together. He's also brave and strong, but has a soft side and he can be very thoughtful and sweet. If Katniss doesn't want him in the end, I'll take Peeta! (Note: My husband is arguing with my list now, saying Gale is more crush-worthy.)

1. Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables-I think Gilbert was my first lit crush, and he still remains at the top. I watched the movie version of Anne over Thanksgiving with my mother-in-law, cousin-in-law, and brother-in-law's girlfriend and I think they all thought I was a little silly for swooning over Gil! But how can you not?? From the moment he calls Anne "carrots" you know they're meant to be together. He does so much for Anne and never knocks her dreams. Plus, he puts up with her stubbornness and he's not afraid to tell her what he thinks. I can't help but love him and he holds a place in my heart for being my first lit crush.

What lit boys do you crush on?