Now Read This!
SEPTEMBER 2025
 
Our Now Read This! newsletters offer suggestions for your next favorite read, from hidden gems to the latest hot pick. In this issue, you will find a literacy tip of the month, a special event worth checking out, a curated selection of newly acquired and upcoming titles for children, and booklists for further reading. Whether you prefer picture books or middle grade fiction, your friendly BPL Youth Services Librarians have recommendations for every reader.
 
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Literacy Tip of the Month

Did You Know?
 
Numbers are everywhere! In the same way that you can build letter knowledge and print awareness just by walking around your house or neighborhood and pointing out words, you can build early math skills like counting, sorting, and grouping with everyday objects you have nearby.
 
Check out this video from the Boston Basics to learn more!
Event Spotlights
Starting Kindergarten Story Time
Friday, September 5, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Mattapan Branch
 
Is your child starting Kindergarten or Preschool (K0, K1, K2 in BPS)? If so, please join us for a very special story time! We will read books about this important milestone and practice saying goodbye to our beloved caregviers for a short time. (Adults may wait outside the story time room to give their child some independence.) 
 
 
Storytime with Laura Macias: A National Heritage Month Celebration
Monday, September 29, 10:30 am - 11:30 am at the Central Library in Copley Square
 
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with Laura Macias. Stories and folk tales from around the world told in English and Spanish. Includes puppets, songs, and movements. For children ages 3-5 and their caregiver.  
 
New and Upcoming Titles
 
 
   
  
Fall is for Beginnings
Rajani Larocca
 
For Ravi, fall brings cool weather and time with his best friend Joe, but when a new girl named Ellie joins their class, Ravi struggles with the changes until he learns that fall can be the perfect time to start a new friendship.
 
The Interpreter
Olivia Abtahi
 
When Cecilia isn't scoring soccer goals, she's accompanying her parents to grown-up places, such as the accountant's office, helping them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish, which is fun but also hard work.
The Moon Rabbit
Eva Wong Nava
 
Families and neighbors gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together, and Meifung and her family will join them, holding paper lanterns. But first, she wants to hear the story of Chang'e and the moon rabbit.
     
 
The Bad Idea and Other Stories
Greg Pizzoli
 
Earl, a cheerful bird who loves playing saxophone, and Worm, a quiet bookworm, overcome their differences with lemonade, creativity, and sharing their stories, to become the best of friends.
Rachel Friedman Breaks the Rules
Sarah Kapit
 
Rachel is not one for rules, but when a meet-and-greet with her favorite gymnast is at risk, she must be on her best behavior, especially at synagogue.
 
First Day Around the World
Ibi Zoboi
 
Offers a lyrical celebration of the first day of school across every continent and explores what going back to school looks like, including breakfast-to-bedtime routines, for children in countries around the world. 
     
      
     
Return to Sender
Vera Brosgol
 
Ten-year-old Oliver discovers that the wish-granting mailbox in his new apartment may make his dreams come true, but they come with a cost.
The Cursed Catacombs
Nick Eliopulos
 
Seth, an apprentice of a powerful wizard, embarks on a perilous quest to find a rare ingredient, but readers' choices and rolls of the dice will determine his fate.
Creaky Acres
Calista Brill
 
Ten-year-old African American Nora learns to love to her new home in rural Greenville when she starts an eventing team with the horseback riders at Creaky Acres.
Looking for More Recommendations?
Back to School
Picture books to get you excited for the new school year!

For More Suggestions...
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Pura Belpré Award Winning Books
Adventures in Boarding School: Books for Middle Grade Readers
 
 
 
   

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