Now Read This!
January 2026
 
Our Now Read This! newsletters offer suggestions for your next favorite read, from hidden gems to the latest popular pick. In this issue, you will find a featured book of the month, resources and events for teens, a curated selection of newly acquired and upcoming titles, and booklists for further reading. No matter the genre, your friendly BPL Librarians have recommendations for every reader.
 
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Book of the Month
Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
Make Me a Monster
by Kalynn Bayron

Meka is used to death. After all, it's the family business. As a newly certified mortician's assistant at her parents' funeral home, her days are not for the faint of heart. Luckily her boyfriend Noah isn't squeamish, and Meka is finally feeling ready to say the three little words that will change everything. But then tragedy strikes, and Meka's world is torn apart. Nothing makes sense, especially when strange things start happening. Ravens are circling her home. Strangers are following her. Someone is leaving mysterious items at her door. And worst of all, the dead don't seem to be staying dead. Meka thought she understood death better than anyone. Turns out, the family business is a bit more complicated than it seems. And Meka isn't the only one desperate to unearth their secrets... because the truth may be worth dying for.
Event Spotlight
 
Care Package Zine Making with Artist Bithiah Holton
Tuesday, February 3, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  
Join local comic artist, Bithiah Holton, for a comic workshop that blends food, memory, and affirmations into a one-page foldable "care package" zine. Teens will learn beginner-friendly comic techniques to help you express the flavors, moments, and messages that nourish you. 
New and Upcoming Titles
Rick Riordan Presents: It Lurks in the Night by Sarah Dass
The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
Right as Rain by Tashie Bhuiyan
It Lurks in the Night
Sarah Dass
 
"Their last boat trip before graduation turns into a nightmare when something sinister follows Maya and her friends home."
 
The House Saphir
Marissa Meyer 
 
"Mallory's talents as a medium get her into trouble when she is forced to assist a nobleman in his attempts to exorcise his very haunted house."
 
Right as Rain
Tashie Bhuiyan
 
"Megh's plans for her future and for college are threatened when her depression begins to manifest as a storm cloud that follows her around."
 
When I Was Death by Alexis Henderson
This Wretched Beauty: A Dorian Gray Remix by Elle Grenier
I Don't Wish You Well by Jumata Emill
When I Was Death
Alexis Henderson
 
"Roslyn is forced to make an impossible choice when she discovers that her missing sister was part of a group of girls that serve Death as reapers."
 
This Wretched Beauty
Elle Grenier
 
"This reimagining of The Picture of Dorian Gray casts Dorian as a teen exploring their gender identity in the face of their family's expectations."
 
I Don't Wish You Well
Jumata Emill
 
"While investigating a famous cold case, a teen podcaster finds himself in danger when he discovers the case isn't so cold after all."
 
Better the Devil by Erik J. Brown
Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik
If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey
Better the Devil
Erik J. Brown
 
"When he's arrested for shoplifting, a runaway teen sees a way out by claiming he's a local boy that has been missing for 10 years."
 
Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar
Anahita Karthik
 
"In hopes of getting her first kiss before she leaves for college, Krishna sets off on a madcap road trip."
 
If We Never End
Laura Taylor Namey
 
"Sylvie expects to have a boring summer, until she meets a charming ghost boy who needs her help remembering his past and how he died."
 
Find Your Next Great Read
Rivalries, Secret Relationships, and Romance: 15 YA Read-alikes for Heated Rivalry
These YA romances featuring rivals-to-dating tropes, secret relationships, and/or athletes are perfect choices for teens looking for YA books that are similar to Heated Rivalry!
 
For More Suggestions...
33 YA Books to Read Based on Your 2025 Spotify Wrapped
 


   

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