Now Read This!
August 2025
 
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 recommended titles, and suggestions for completing your Summer Reading bingo card. No matter the genre, your friendly BPL Librarians have recommendations for every reader.
 
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Book of the Month
Wish Upon a K-star
by Kat Cho

When rising K-drama star Shin Hyeri and K-pop idol Moon Minseok are filmed having an argument, the two stars must participate in a fake dating show to keep their careers on track. Fulfills 'A Romance Book' on your Summer Reading bingo card.
Resources
Museum Passes
 
Looking for a fun and enriching activity on a hot summer day? Trying to check off "Visit the Zoo, Museum, or Aquarium" on your Summer Reading bingo card? Take advantage of our Museum Pass program today!
 
With a BPL library card, you can get free or discounted admission to all kinds of institutions around the Boston area, including the Museum of Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, the Zoo New England zoos, and more! Follow the link to reserve a museum pass today. Supplies are limited, so be sure to book in advance.
 
Event Spotlight
 
Chess Café
Tuesday, August 12 & 26, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
 
Twice every month, Teen Central is home to Chess Café, an opportunity for newcomers and experienced players alike to learn about chess, play with like-minded players, and enjoy snacks and drinks.
 
Other classic board games also make regular appearances, so this is a great opportunity to check off "Play a New Board Game" on your Summer Reading bingo card!
 
All programs in Teen Central are reserved for teens 12 through 17 years old, or in grades 6 through 12 (inclusive of rising 6th graders and graduating 12th graders).
 
Highlighted Titles
Rain Is Not My Indian Name
Cynthia Leitich Smith
 
"Tired of staying in seclusion since the death of her best friend, a fourteen-year-old Native American girl takes on a photographic assignment with her local newspaper to cover events at the Native American summer youth camp. Fulfills 'Indigenous Author' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
Annie on My Mind
Nancy Garden
 
"Two girls meet by chance at an art museum and form a friendship that quickly blossoms into love, despite judgment from their peers and schools. Fulfills 'LGBTQ+ Character or Author' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
You Don't Have to Be Everything
Diana Whitney
 
"A contemporary poetry anthology with works by a wide range of poets, addressing the complex feelings of coming-of-age as a girl and a young woman. Fulfills 'Read a Poem' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Jesse Andrews
 
"A teen trying to keep a low profile and get through the suckiness of high school changes his outlook when he befriends a girl with leukemia. Fulfills 'Banned or Challenged Book' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
Stormbreaker
Anthony Horowitz
 
"After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency, MI6. Fulfills 'First in a Series' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton
 
"When a gang fight between working-class 'greasers' and wealthy 'Socs' goes too far, young greaser Ponyboy finds himself on the run and questioning everything. Fulfills 'Under 200 Pages' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
Naruto: The Unofficial Cookbook
Danielle Baghernejad
 
"Naruto: The Unofficial Cookbook trains you in the cooking arts with Japanese recipes for all skill levels, making this cookbook fun and accessible for all chefs. Fulfills 'Cook or Bake Something' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
On the Bright Side
Anna Sortino
 
"When eighteen-year-old Ellie's Deaf boarding school shuts down, she attends a public high school where she struggles to adjust, but finds an ally in Jackson, a soccer player going through a disability diagnosis of his own. Fulfills 'Disabled Author or Character' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 
Promise Boys
Nick Brooks
 
"Becoming prime suspects in the murder of their principal known for doling out extreme discipline, three Urban Promise Prep School students team up to catch the real killer and clear their names. Fulfills 'Award Winner' on your Summer Reading bingo card."
 


   

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