Now Read This!
JULY 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?
 
Summer reading isn’t just fun—it’s essential! When children and teens continue to read over the summer, they maintain and even improve the skills they gained during the school year. Without regular reading, students risk experiencing “summer slide,” a decline in literacy and academic achievement during the break. By making reading a part of their summer, children return to school better prepared and more confident. 
 
Event Spotlights
Youth Summer Reading 2025
Sunday, June 1 - Sunday, August 31 at all BPL Locations
This summer, the Boston Public Library invites youth ages 0–17 to take part in BPL Bingo, a fun and interactive way to stay engaged with reading and learning during the school break. With specially designed bingo cards, one for children and one for teens, participants can complete reading challenges and activities tailored to their age group.
 
Fun events and programs are happening across the system everyday! Check out our calendar of events and get an overview of some of our extra special programs!
 
Boston Reads Comics: Featuring Svetlana Chmakova
Saturday, July 26, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Central Library in Copley Square
Join us for a celebration of reading in words and pictures with bestselling Massachusetts kids graphic novel author Svetlana Chmakova! In conversation with Elissa Gershowitz (The Horn Book), Chmakova will discuss her graphic novel Awkward and all the most awesome parts of making and reading comics. 
 
Drop-in activities celebrating comics and Chmakova's work will happen in the Children's Library from 1-3 p.m. in advance of the program. The presentation will take place in Rabb Hall. Presented by the Boston Comic Arts Foundation.
 
New and Upcoming Titles
 
 
  
 
I See You Care
Deborah Farmer Kris
 
In rhyming text, a caregiver lovingly validates all the ways their toddler shows care and kindness to themselves and others.
 
Big Family Beach Day
Nina Crews
 
Maya and her extended intergenerational family enjoy their annual trip to the beach.
 
This Book Is Dangerous
Ben Clanton
 
Jelly has got to find a way out of this book, and it's up to the reader to help this little jellyfish... or not! 
    
Clyde in Plain Sight
Graham Annabelle
 
Monique is excited to play with her best friend, Clyde! Clyde claims to be the best hider, but Monique is determined to prove him wrong in this search-along game of hide and seek.
 
Seashell Key
Lourdes Heuer
 
Follows residents of Seashell Key as they welcome summer visitors to their coastal town. 
Where Words Come From
Gill Budgell
 
Unlock the secret world of words and discover the building blocks of language in a visual reference book for learning about morphology that will boost vocabulary and improve spelling skills.
 
 
 
Blood in the Water
Tiffany D. Jackson
 
Brooklyn girl Kaylani McKinnon is thrust into an intricate web of lies when a shocking murder on Martha's Vineyard threatens to expose dangerous secrets
The Best Worst Summer of Esme Sun
Wendy Wan-Long Shang
 
When her latest growth spurt improves her swimming, twelve-year-old Esme struggles to balance her competitive nature with being a good sport.
 
Speak Up, Santiago!
Julio Anta
 
Santi is excited to spend the summer in Hillside Valley, meeting local kids, eating his Abuela's delicious food and exploring, but Santi doesn't speak Spanish and it seems everyone he meets does.
Looking for More Recommendations?
Disabled, Not Unable 2025: 75 Books for Children, Teens, & Adults
The Disabled, Not Unable Booklist is a list of recent books for all ages about the diverse experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent community. It is published as part of the Boston Public Library's observance of Disability Pride Month each year. 
 
For More Suggestions...
Summer Camp Stories for Middle Grade Readers
Wild About Wildlife
 
 
 
   

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