Now Read This!
APRIL 2026
 
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 activities, like laundry or mealtimes. 
Event Spotlights
Buildwave Challenge
Saturday, April 11, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Mattapan Branch
 
Boost STEAM interest with Buildwave — a building event that feels like a gameshow!
During the event, participants build with waves of diverse materials like LEGOs, Plus-Plus, and more. Each building wave is enhanced by a dynamic audiovisual experience unlike any other.
As participants complete wave after wave of building, they gain creative confidence, enhance teamwork, and experience design fundamentals in a unique and memorable context. For ages 5-12.
 
Story Time at DotHouse Health
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM at DotHouse Health in Dorchester
 
Join Librarian Josh from the Fields Corner Branch on Tuesday mornings in April and May for storytimes at DotHouse Health in Dorchester! We'll share stories, sing songs, and have fun together!  
 
Chocolate, Churros y Fiesta
Thursday, April 23 18, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the West End Branch
 
Join us for a bilingual English-Spanish storytelling experience with the Spanish Fun Program! Learn about the origins of chocolate, how champurrado was created, and then learn to make your own churros!  For ages 6-12. Registration is required; please sign up in-person at the branch or by phone: 617-523-3957. Grown-ups must stay with their children during the event.
 
Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston - Music in Motion: A Family Concert
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Hyde Park Branch
 
This innovative ensemble draws those who love the adventure of music. After the concert, children can drum with the Chameleons and try out their instruments.
 
New and Upcoming Titles
The City of Jasmine by Nadine Presley
Fairy Walk by Gaia Cornwall
 
The Future Book by Mac Barnett
The City of Jasmine
Nadine Presley
 
A young Syrian American girl remembers the beauty and joy of her home.
 
Fairy Walk
Gaia Cornwall
 
Let's go, let's go! Hopping and skipping into the woods behind their house, a trio of kids and their loyal doggy companion head off into the wild world in search of fairies.
 
The Future Book
Mac Barnett
 
Do you want to know what the future is like? Turn the pages to get a glimpse at the world of tomorrow and its unexpected words and colors.
Rise of Pegasus by Joan Holub
A Math Class Mystery by Amanda Gebhardt
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe by Amy S. Hansen
Rise of Pegasus
Joan Holub
 
Clumsy Pegasus makes new friends and discovers his powers at the School for Magical Monsters.
A Math Class Mystery
Amanda Gebhardt 
 
Meet Max, Liz, and Chen as they investigate the strange happenings around their school. This decodable chapter book lets upper elementary readers build fluency while unraveling a page-turning mystery.
 
 Wanda Hears the Stars
Amy Hansen
 
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda DÍaz Merced wanted to study the stars. But when she lost her sight, she had to find a new way to work by turning data into sound.
A Little Too Haunted by Justine Pucella Winans
 The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
Wish I Was a Baller by Amar Shah 
A Little Too Haunted
Justine Pucella Winans
 
 An aspiring young ghost hunter takes on her first case.
The Mighty Macy
Kwame Alexander
 
A young girl finds her voice and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community in this sweet and humorous novel-in-verse.
Wish I Was a Baller
Amar Shah
 
A graphic memoir chronicling Amar's real-life experiences as a young sports journalist covering the NBA, where he befriended Shaq and hung out with Michael Jordan – all while surviving the typical high school drama.
 
Looking for More Recommendations?
Arab American Heritage Month Books for Kids
April is Arab American Heritage Month! Check out one of these books celebrating the diversity of the Arab cultures in the United States.
 
For More Suggestions...
Well-Versed: Middle Grade Novels in Verse
Autism Acceptance Month Books for Kids
 
 
 
   

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