Dublin City Council, in partnership with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, is inviting teenagers across the city to take part in the 2025 Teen Citywide Reading Campaign. This initiative encourages young people to read for pleasure, connect with their local library, and share the experience of one great book.
This year's chosen title is Crying Wolf by James Butler, a gripping urban thriller published by Little Island Books. The story follows Joey, a teenager determined to leave his criminal past behind -- until old ties and dangerous choices pull him back into a world he hoped to escape.
The campaign kicks off today at Ballyfermot Library, where Transition Year students will meet author James Butler and Councillor Vincent Jackson, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam. The campaign runs from November to January, with author visits to libraries across Dublin including Ballyfermot, Ballymun, Cabra, Central Library, Coolock, Dolphin's Barn, Donaghmede, Drumcondra, Finglas, Kevin Street, Marino, Terenure, and Walkinstown.
Copies of Crying Wolf are available in all Dublin City Libraries and bookshops nationwide. Borrow from your local library or join the conversation online using #CitywideRead.
Speaking about the campaign, Councillor Vincent Jackson, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, said, "It is a pleasure to be involved with an initiative that encourages teenagers to read and talk about books, and this year's choice, Crying Wolf by James Butler, will keep readers enthralled. I hope that all involved will enjoy the book and the great experience of meeting and discussing the work with the author."
Author James Butler added, "I'm delighted that Dublin UNESCO City of Literature has chosen 'Crying Wolf' for this year's Teen Citywide Read campaign. I hope that readers will enjoy following our young hero, Joey as he escapes the suburbs and his criminal past and heads into the city to begin a new life - an exploration that hopefully will help him find a newer, better version of himself, 'because a different Joey is all he wants to be.'
Photographs will be syndicated to picture desks by Damien Eagers Photography
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