Now Read This!
MAY 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?
 
Want your child to be a reader? It all starts with you!
 
Build book-sharing time into your daily routine. Read to your child, read with your child, and let your child see you reading. Talk about the things you've read together. Ask your child questions and allow them to explore books independently.

When children have positive experiences with books from an early age, they're much more motivated to learn to read!
 
Event Spotlights
How to Create a Graphic Novel Page with Jonathan Todd 
Monday, May 19, 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm at the Honan-Allston Branch
Graphic novelist Jonathan Todd will join us to share the secrets behind designing your own graphic novel — from the elements of a story, panel planning, and creating thumbnail sketches, to penciling and inking a graphic novel. For tweens and teens in grades 5 - 12. Limited to 15 attendees. Email crichardson@bpl.org to reserve your spot! 
  
Drawing Club 
Tuesdays, 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm at the Central Library in Copley Square 
Learn drawing techniques through video tutorials, books, and fun drawing games! 
We’ll have drawing time and an opportunity to share your drawings with your friends at every session. 
For children ages 6-12. 
 
Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston - Music in Motion: A Family Concert
Saturday, May 31, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Hyde Park Branch
Join us for a morning of adventure and discovery with chamber music inspired by dancing, clapping, walking, talking, and flying. After the concert, kids can drum with the Chameleons and try out their instruments.
 
New England Carnivorous Plant Society Show and Tell
Saturday, May 31, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Central Library in Copley Square
Learn all about carnivorous plants and see them up close with the New England Carnivorous Plant Society! Recommended for ages 5-12, and their families. 
 
 
New and Upcoming Titles
 
123 Ki Moun Ki Vini Apre?
Amy Beal-Matsushita
 
Creatures great and small—and even a vegetable— all come together to help children learn to count 1 to 10 and to recognize numbers.
 
The Wedding Shoe Snatch
Madhu Messenger
 
On her sister's wedding day, Shilpa reluctantly embraces change while finding unexpected joy in participating in the lively joota chupai tradition with her new family.
 
Downpour
Yuko Ohnari
 
As the rain pours down, making all kinds of sounds, a little boy encourages the droplets to play with him.
 
    
The Many Problems of Rochel- Leah
Jane Yolen
 
In her small Jewish village in 19th-century Russia, only boys are taught to read and write, but Rochel-Leah is determined to overcome any barrier in order to learn.
 
The Barking Puppy
Lori Lobenstine
 
As the only newspaper "for dogs, by dogs," Sophie and Juno hope their newspaper, The Barking Puppy, will raise money for Juno's dog to get a much-needed surgery. Will anyone find it funny? And more importantly, will it be enough?
 
Astrophysics for Supervillains: The Great Alien Hunt
Dr. Matthew Bothwell
 
An accessible and enjoyable introduction to astrophysics, explaining big topics in a simple way.
 
 
 
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Audrey Hartman
 
An undead fox serving as the Usher of souls has his life upended when a mysterious badger soul appears.
Gyro and the Argonauts!
Joshua Pruett
 
The Argonauts are the greatest heroes in Greek mythology—or ARE they? Dive into this funny, action-packed adventure and discover the real heroes: the monsters!
 
Almost Sunset
Wahab Algarmi
 
Hassan faces a hectic month of homework, soccer and gaming while fasting every day for the holy month of Ramadan, in a story about balancing family traditions and secular middle school life.
 
Looking for More Recommendations?
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 2025: 77 Books for Children, Teens & Adults
May is Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month! While no book (or even hundreds of books!) could fully reflect the diversity of the Asian American experience, we hope that this selection of recent releases will highlight current Asian American representation in print. 
 
For More Suggestions...
Mental Health Month: Turning Awareness Into Action for Kids
Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month: Books for Kids and Teens
 
 
 
   

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