What's Ryan Reading! (August 2025)

WOW! What an Incredible Month of Reading August has Been! 📚✨

Is there anything better than getting lost in a great book? This past month has been packed with page-turners, laugh-out-loud moments, and stories that tug at the heartstrings — and just in time for back-to-school season!

Whether you’re a student heading into a new grade, a teacher building your classroom library, or a parent looking for the perfect read-aloud, we’ve got something for everyone. From thrilling adventures to hilarious graphic novels, stunningly illustrated picture books, and heartfelt tales you won’t soon forget — consider this your ultimate back-to-school reading list

So grab your bookmarks and get ready to dive into something special — there’s a book waiting for everyone on this list.

Young Adult

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson

SUMMARY:

Accidental arsonist Marlowe takes a summer job as a tour guide at the historic and eerie Morning House mansion, hoping to escape her reputation. While there, she becomes entangled in a new mystery that mirrors a past tragedy where two children died in the 1930s, leading to the house's closure. As Marlowe investigates, the line between the past and present blurs, a fellow worker disappears, and she must unravel the secrets of the house before she becomes the next victim.

REVIEW:

Whew... I hate to kick off this month’s post on a down note, but here we are with a rare not-for-me read.

As a HUGE fan of YA mysteries and thrillers, I was genuinely excited to dive into Death at Morning House. The premise? Super intriguing. A mysterious mansion, tragic family secrets, and a modern-day teen tour guide unraveling a decades-old mystery—yes, please!

At first, I was totally on board. The pacing was solid, and I found myself invested in the eerie atmosphere and setup. But as the story went on, the multiple points of view started to lose me. Rather than adding depth, they felt disjointed—and honestly, I think the book would have been stronger if it had focused on just one timeline or character perspective. The constant shift pulled me out of the story, and by the end, I just wasn’t as connected or compelled as I hoped to be.

So, overall? ⭐⭐ 2 out of 5 stars.

That said, reviews are always subjective. Just because this one didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect creepy read for someone else. If you love dual timelines and gothic mysteries, you might want to give it a shot!

Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang

SUMMARY:

Leaving modern society behind for the California wilderness, Ash searches for an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life but discovers that making the wilds their home isn't easy and wonders if they can really be happy and survive alone.

REVIEW: This month, I picked up a graphic novel that took me completely by surprise in the best possible way. Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang is a beautifully told story that explores identity, self-discovery, and the healing power of solitude—and I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

This genre isn't usually my go-to, but I found myself completely pulled in by the thoughtful storytelling and the stunning artwork. The illustrations and writing work together seamlessly to create a narrative that’s both quiet and powerful.

At its heart, Ash’s Cabin is about a young teen, Ash, who’s been quietly struggling with their identity for a long time. With a family that doesn’t always respect their chosen name, Ash longs for space—to breathe, to think, to be. When they remember a story about a secluded cabin their grandfather used to escape to, they set out on a journey of their own. What follows is a gentle but meaningful exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and finding your place in the world.

I really appreciated how positively and honestly this book handled such an important topic. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult parts, but it also leaves you with a sense of peace and hope.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars from me!

If you're looking for a heartfelt, reflective graphic novel that celebrates the journey of becoming who you truly are, Ash’s Cabin is worth your time.

Karate Prom by Kyle Starks

SUMMARY:

In this loving homage to '80s teen comedies and badly dubbed Kungfu films, it's love at first knockout for Don, who must punch his way through various opponents in the name of love.

REVIEW:

Karate Prom is exactly as wild and wonderful as it sounds. This graphic novel is a hilariously action-packed ride that perfectly blends high school drama, teenage romance, and over-the-top martial arts mayhem—with a surprising emotional punch at the end.

Our hero? A karate-obsessed teen who’s just trying to survive prom night... and his feelings. But things take a wild turn when he falls in love—and his ex shows up, who just so happens to be a member of a global crime cartel. (Yes, really. And yes, it’s awesome.)

It’s got the heart of a teen coming-of-age story and the energy of a Saturday morning action cartoon. If you’re a fan of Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O’Malley, you’ll absolutely love the vibe of this book.

Fast, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt—Karate Prom kicks its way to a solid 4 out of 5 stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars from me!

Sunshine: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope by Jarret J. Krosoczka

SUMMARY:

The author shares his extraordinary experiences as a counselor at Camp Sunshine, a camp for seriously ill kids and their families, where he met campers and fellow counselors who forever changed the course of his life.

REVIEW:

Who knew a graphic novel could hit you right in the heart like this? Sunshine is a powerful, emotional, and deeply human story that brings all the feels—and then some.

In this graphic memoir, author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka shares his unforgettable experience as a teenage counselor at Camp Sunshine, a special camp for children facing serious illnesses. Through honest storytelling and expressive illustrations, Krosoczka introduces us to some truly remarkable kids and families, each with their own struggles and strength.

You’ll meet Diego, a young boy in a wheelchair battling a brain tumor, who has lost his spark—until he crosses paths with a young, slightly awkward Jarrett. Then there’s the resilient mom juggling three kids, all while navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with illness.

This book isn’t just about sickness—it’s about connection, compassion, and finding hope in unexpected places. It’s raw, real, and beautifully done.

💬 Pro tip: Pair it with the graphic audiobook for an even more immersive and emotional experience.
👏 Highly recommended. Bring tissues.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars from me!

Middle Grade

All the Blues in the Sky by Renne Watson

SUMMARY:

When thirteen-year-old Sage's best friend dies, Sage struggles with grief and feels that she is at fault, but when she joins a grief group, she slowly learns to heal.

REVIEW:

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that handles death with as much honesty, grace, and sensitivity as All the Blues in the Sky. Renée Watson’s novel in verse is a quiet, powerful exploration of grief through the eyes of Sage, a young girl whose world is turned upside down when her best friend dies in a tragic accident—on her thirteenth birthday.

Told in beautiful, lyrical verse, this story walks us through Sage’s journey as she tries to make sense of her pain, hold on to the memories, and figure out how to move forward. It doesn’t shy away from the hard emotions—but it also offers hope, healing, and the reminder that grief looks different for everyone.

This is a book for anyone—child, teen, or adult—who has experienced the loss of a friend. It’s tender, heartfelt, and deeply human. I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars from me!

Picture Books

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle

SUMMARY:

Taking an honest look at the circle of life, this breathtakingly illustrated book follows a whale as she closes her eyes for the last time, sinking to the bottom of the ocean where her enormous body sets the stage for new ecosystems to flourish.

REVIEW:

Who knew the end of a whale’s life could be the beginning of something so extraordinary? Life After Whale dives deep—literally—into one of nature’s most fascinating and little-known phenomena: the whale fall.

With stunning illustrations and captivating, accessible storytelling, Lynn Brunelle brings this underwater ecosystem to life, showing how a single whale’s body becomes the foundation for an entire deep-sea community. It's a beautiful blend of science and wonder that completely redefines what we think of as an ecosystem.

Whether you're a kid curious about ocean life or an adult who loves nature documentaries, this book is a must-read. It’s informative, awe-inspiring, and absolutely unforgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars from me!

National Library Week 2025

 

It's National Library Week here at Bremen Public Library!

National Library Week 2025: Drawn to the Library!

Millions of people across the country visit their libraries every week. What’s the draw? Everything.

From young families stopping in for play and storytime, to students sketching out their next creative project in a makerspace, to seniors seeking tech help and everyone in between, libraries of all kinds help us connect the dots from one part of our journey to the next. Chart your next literary adventure by browsing the stacks or joining a book club. Let an author color your imagination at an author talk, outline your big business idea at an entrepreneur workshop, or trace your history with your library’s genealogy resources. Make your mark and get involved with your library by volunteering or spreading the word.

Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone. Celebrate National Library Week, April 6 - 12, 2025.

About National Library Week

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.

In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the ALA and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."

In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2024 celebration marked the 66th anniversary of the first event.

Read more about the history of National Library Week at American Libraries magazine, and check out the list of past National Library Week themes.

National Library Week will be celebrated April 19-25 in 2026.

We are excited to welcome Mango & Brash to Bremen Public Library! They will be roaming around town on their Spring Break April 7th-11th. Be sure to stop and say "Hello!".

Meet The 2025 National Library Week Honorary Chairs!

About Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier is the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award–winning creator of Smile, Sisters, and Guts, which are all graphic memoirs based on her childhood. She is also the creator of Drama and Ghosts, the adapter and illustrator of the first four Baby-sitters Club graphic novels, and, with Scott McCloud, the co-creator of The Cartoonists Club. Facing Feelings: The Art of Raina Telgemeier is a companion catalog for an exhibition held at The Ohio State University’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Telgemeier lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. To learn more, visit her online at goraina.com.

About Scott McCloud

Scott McCloud is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art; Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels; Zot!; and The Sculptor. He is also, with Raina Telgemeier, the co-creator of The Cartoonists Club. Scott is a frequent lecturer on the power of visual communication, creator of the international 24-hour comic movement, and, in 2021, was inducted into the Will Eisner Awards Hall of Fame. He lives with his family in Oregon. McCloud’s art and stories are available in more than 30 languages and on the web at scottmccloud.com.

The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur

 

Posted by John David Anderson

What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell

 

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

 

Summer Reading 2024 Week 1!

Summer Reading has offcially begun here at the Bremen Public Library! Week 1 has been off to a great start, with over 40 teens registered for Summer Reading. Already teens have participated in programs such as Paint Your Heart Out and Raingutter Regatta. This summer BPL has partnered with our local Boys & Girls Club to offer programs every Thursday for their teens. Our Teen Advisory Board (TAB) held their first Care Cabinet Drive and had over 100 items donated! For more information about the Care Cabinet click here. There is still plenty of time to register for Summer Reading program. For more information stop by the library! 

First Line Friday!

It's Friday! It's time for our featured First Line Friday book. First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for our YA readers. Each Friday we will post a NEW first line of one of the books from our YA collection! 

Here is your first line!

Once upon a time and ever since, a key turned in a rusted lock, and a woman stepped into a small and dismal cell. 

Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly

Check back next Friday for more First Line Friday picks!

If you liked this book. Try these titles!

First Line Friday!

It's Friday! It's time for our featured First Line Friday book. First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for our YA readers. Each Friday we will post a NEW first line of one of the books from our YA collection! 

Here is your first line!

Faron Vincent had been a liar for longer than she'd been a saint.

So Let Them Burn #1 by Kamilah Cole

Check back next Friday for more First Line Friday picks!

If you liked this book. Try these titles!

First Line FRIDAY!

 

It's Friday! It's time for our featured First Line Friday book. First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for our YA readers. Each Friday we will post a NEW first line of one of the books from our YA collection! 

Here is your first line!

By the end of tonight, I will be Andy Keating's Girlfriend.

Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce

Check back next Friday for more First Line Friday picks!

If you liked this book. Try these titles!

Summer Reading 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library

Summer Reading is just around the corner! We at the Bremen Public Library are excited to bring you many fun, and engaging, programs for all ages! The theme this year is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” and libraries across the Nation are excited to plan adventures of all types for their communities. Follow all of the Bremen Public Library's social media, and blogs, for more information!

We can't wait for the Adventure to Begin at Your Library!

 

First Line FRIDAY!

 

It's Friday! It's time for our featured First Line Friday book. First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for our YA readers. Each Friday we will post a NEW first line of one of the books from our YA collection! 

Here is your first line!

On the morning of Decklee Cassel's funeral, I'm in the Employee lounge of Bob's Gas Station, losing a fight with the coffee machine for the second time that day.

Every Time You Hear that Song by Jenna Voris

Check back next Friday for more First Line Friday picks!

If you liked this book. Try these titles!

First Line FRIDAY!

 

It's Friday! It's time for our featured First Line Friday book. First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for our YA readers. Each Friday we will post a NEW first line of one of the books from our YA collection! 

Here is your first line!

From the beginning, I have made rules for my Monsters.

Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis

Check back next Friday for more First Line Friday picks!

NEW YA Books April 2024

 

Checkout all the new YA Books in our Young Adult (YA) Room! If you have any special requests feel free to ask a librarian!

Trajectory by Cambria Gordon

The stirring and dramatic story of one young woman who must find a way to overcome her deepest fears in order to unlock the secret that will help America and the Allies to victory as World War II rages on. Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is nothing like her hero Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness, but she has no memory of it. Rachel is gone, long presumed dead, and Bel wishes everyone would just move on. But the case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agree to a true crime documentary.

Queen of The Tiles by Hanna Alkaf

unforgettable thriller set in the world of competitive Scrabble, where a teen girl is forced to investigate the mysterious death of her best friend when her Instagram comes back to life with cryptic posts and messages.

The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

(called “Junior”), a young Native American boy living on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. The novel, presented in a diary format, chronicles Arnold's decision to attend an all-white high school off the reservation, exploring themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the pursuit of dreams.

The Marrow Thieves #1 by Cherrie Dimaline

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is a gripping dystopian novel that follows a group of Indigenous people in a world where their bone marrow is hunted for its ability to restore dreams. It explores themes of resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling.

Every Time You Hear that Song by Jenna Voris

A split-POV, parallel timeline story about country idols, romantic road trips, and queer love, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG follows aspiring journalist Darren as she goes on a quest to uncover hidden clues detailing the life and secrets of music idol Decklee Cassel.

Heartless Hunter #1 by Kristen Ciccarelli

On the night Rune's life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

In a near-future where a virtual currency of digital content fuels a fame-hungry society, a brand-new experiment that combines social media and reality TV has been greenlit. Voted on, and contestants are sent to a maximum-security reform camp on an island where they can have no contact with the outside world.

The One that Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

Lauren and her mom move to Pennsylvania from California after a horrible accident with her ex bf and she thinks it's going to be a new start - until she ends up getting involved with Robbie - who's hated by the town because he's suspected of killing his ex girlfriend - AND Robbie's brother Trevor's ex girlfriend, has ...

Normal Kids by Melinda Di Lorenzo

In seventeen-year-old Hannah Dresher's world, every dollar counts.

When Hannah comes home to find that her alcoholic mom is wasted, she's not surprised. But when she discovers that her younger brother, Seth, has disappeared with the overdue rent money, she worries they'll be evicted or taken away by social services. Hannah knows she can't rely on anyone but herself, so she has no choice but to chase down her brother. During her search she meets charming Eli, who offers to help her. But can Hannah set aside her pride and learn to trust him?

Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek

After Liska unleashes her own powers with devastating consequences, she is caught by the demon warden of the wood – the Leszy – who offers her a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish. Whisked away to his crumbling manor, Liska soon discovers the sinister roots of their bargain.

When the World was Ours by Liz Kessler

Three young friends—Leo, Elsa, and Max—spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness and that they will soon be cruelly ripped apart from one another.

Otherwordly by F. T. Lukens 

Knox is a familiar from the Other World, a magical assistant sent to help humans who have made crossroads bargains. But it's been years since he heard from his queen, and Knox is getting nervous about what he might find once he returns home.

To a Darker Shore by Leanne Schwartz

Alesta—a fat, orphaned 17-year-old living in Soladisa—is used to her homeland's ritual of banishing a youth considered sinful once every three months as a sacrifice to angry remote island monsters. As someone who is perceived as often falling short of expectations, she fears that she will be next.

Chaos Theory by Nic Stone

Chaos Theory is about mental health issues, grief, parental abuse, and using alcohol to numb the pain and, therefore, can feel like a punch to the gut, but it's so important at the same time. Nic doesn't shy away from those difficult topics and lets us see Shelby and Andy (Walter) at their lowest.

Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J. Cooper

This book focuses on the juvenile system in Luzerne County, in which one corrupt judge devised a scheme to profit off the imprisonment of children. This resulted in hundreds of youths being wrongfully imprisoned and suffering inhumane treatment.

Call Me Iggy by Jorge Aguirre

Ignacio "Iggy" Garcia is an Ohio-born Colombian American teen living his best life. After bumping into Marisol (and her coffee) at school, Iggy's world is spun around. But Marisol has too much going on to be bothered with the likes of Iggy. She has school, work, family, and the uphill battle of getting her legal papers. As Iggy stresses over how to get Marisol to like him, his grandfather comes to the rescue. The thing is, not only is his abuelito dead, but he also gives terrible love advice. The worst. And so, with his ghost abuelito's meddling, Iggy's life begins to unravel as he sets off on a journey of self-discovery.

Ranger Academy by Maria Ingrande Mora

If you had a chance to join the Power Rangers, would you do it? 13-year-old Sage lives on an isolated lunar colony with her adoptive father. Her days are spent farming, studying, raising livestock.... But that all changes when during a lunar storm, she comes across the wreckage of an Astro Shuttle, with wounded passengers from an academy founded by the famed Zordon, where the brightest and most clever teens train to protect the universe from evil. People called: Power Rangers. Sage and her friends will join together and work tirelessly to discover the truth of why the Green Ranger was erased from the Power Rangers history. While Sage doubts herself more than ever, she must learn to trust her friends -- and trust herself. But only together can the Rangers-in-training right past wrongs and prevent an ancient enemy's takeover of the academy and contamination of the Morphin Grid!

The Baker and the Bard by Fern Haught

Juniper and Hadley have a good thing going in Larkspur, spending their respective days apprenticing at a little bakery and performing at the local inn. But when a stranger makes an unusual order at the bakery, the two friends (and Hadley's pet snake, Fern) set out on a journey to forage the magical mushrooms needed to make the requested galette pastries.

Along the way, Juniper and Hadley stumble across a mystery too compelling to ignore: Something has been coming out of the woods at night and eating the local farmers' crops, leaving only a trail of glowy goo behind. Intent on finally going on an adventure that could fuel their bardic craft, Hadley tows Juniper into the woods to investigate.

What started as a simple errand to pick mushrooms soon turns into a thrilling quest to save some furry new friends--and their caretaker, a softspoken little fey named Thistle--who are in danger of losing their home. 

The Well by Jake Wyatt

Li-Zhen's life on the archipelago is simple. Known to friends and family as Lizzy, she takes care of her grandfather and their goats, she flirts with the woman who helps row the ferry, and she stays away from the fog that comes in the night--and the monsters hiding within it.
But Lizzy's life comes apart when she steals a handful of coins from a sacred well to cover a debt. The well requires repayment, but it doesn't deal in coins. It needs wishes, and its minions will drown Lizzy in its depths if she doesn't grant them. Lizzy finds herself on a quest to uncover hidden memories, bestow great wealth, and face the magical secrets that nearly destroyed her family--and are now returning to threaten everything she has ever known.

Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs

For as long as she can remember, Chelsea Grant has tried everything she can think of to distance herself from the disastrous damage her father does to her social life. It's not easy to shake her reputation as Ghost Girl when Dad keeps advertising his business as a "paranormal removal expert" in big, bold, loud letters all over New Orleans!

This year, Chelsea's all grown up, attending one of the most prestigious high schools in the city, and she's finally made friends with the popular crowd. Things are looking up--until a night on the town backfires spectacularly, landing her in hot water at home. Her punishment Working for her dad at Paranormal Removal Services. All. Summer.

Worst of all, her new job reveals an unexpected secret she has to keep: While Dad hunts ghosts with his own DIY tech, Chelsea can actually see them. And when she meets Oliver, a friendly spirit, at the fancy mansion her dad is getting a handsome fee to exorcize, she realizes she has to save his after-life, even if it risks everything her father's worked for.

The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha

Kai Song dreams of being a warrior. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her beloved father, the commander of the Royal Legion. But while her father believes in Kai and trains her in martial arts, their society isn't ready for a girl warrior.

Still, Kai is determined. But she is plagued by rumors that she is the granddaughter of Gumiho, the infamous nine-tailed fox demon who was killed by her father years before.

Everything comes crashing down the day Kai learns the deadly secret about her mother's past. Now she must come to terms with the truth about her identity and take her destiny into her own hands. As Kai desperately searches for a way to escape her fate, she comes to find compassion, and even love, in the most unexpected places.

The Gulf by Adam De Souza

Ever since Oli found a pamphlet for a remote island commune as a kid, it's all she can think about. Now that she's nearing the end of high school, feeling frustrated with the mounting pressure to choose a career and follow a path she has no interest in, the desire to escape it all has been steadily increasing. Everything comes to a head when Oli's relationship with her best friend goes south and she claps back at a school bully with more than just words. Oli flees to find the commune on a Gulf Island off the coast of Vancouver, taking with her Milo, who can't help but hide his feelings behind the safety of a video camera, and Alvin, a shy teen who sees more than he lets on. Behind them trails Liam, Oli's ex-best-friend and sometimes love interest, who wants to apologize for the way things went down. All four are grappling with a world that cannot be changed... and simply trying to find their place in it.