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Six Great YA BookTubers

by Kelly Jensen SLJ June 2019


These excellent, engaging BookTubers focus the bulk of their channels on talking all things young adult.

Francina Simone

An author and all-around book enthusiast , Simone not only talks about the books she loves and has been reading but also digs deep into the news and hot topics of discussion in the YA literature world.  Some of her most popular videos include an exploration of sex in YA as it relates to books like those by Sarah J. Mass, the things she dislikes about YA, and what it means when content is (or is not) problematic. She's outspoken and honest.

Ellias (formerly Brandon the Bookworm)

With a mix of emotional honesty and vulnerable videos and a wicked love for all things YA, Ellias's BookTube is a great channel for readers who want a full picture of a book lover within and beyond their passion for reading.  Ellias's introductory video is a must watch, as it explains why he's changed the name of his BookTube channel, as well as his own name, which helps contextualize the videos he produces.

Lala/Kayla, BOOKSANDLALA

Organized into categories, Lala's BookTube is full of discussions of popular books, to-be-read lists, book-to-movie explorations, and more.  She also reviews books and often talks about them in conjunction with the broader genre.  Lala is a queen of participating in numerous such events and documents her experiences in them.  She's been BookTubing since 2014, so there's a goldmine of backlist reading and  reviews.

Sandy, Sandy Reads A Lot

Want a lot of bang for your BookTube buck?  Try out Sandy's channel, where she spotlights the titles she's read or wants to read in a given month. Likewise, she highlights the goods that arrive in the monthly YA book subscription boxes she gets.  Sandy talks about genres she loves and book trends she's noticing.  She isn't afraid to discuss being disappointed by a book or when she has abandoned one altogether.

Jesse George, Jess The Reader

George had been around BookTube for a long time, and is one of its best-known figures.  His presence and rapport with the audience are reminiscent of John Green.  Well-versed in YA, he and his channel stand out by covering broader topics about life as a reader. Some of his most popular videos include what happens when you don't finish a book, the challenges of recommending titles, and more.

Kav, Reading Solace

At 17, Kav shares her opinions about a variety of books, ranging from those by established authors to quieter, more under-the-radar titles. She is a passionate feminist with a strong interest in social justice, and those priorities come through not only in her reviews, but also in  her videos that tackle topics such as diversity within BookTube, her personal experiences as a queer teenager, and living with a mental illness in a way that highlights how books and representation matter.

Check all of these wonderful BookTubers for great recommendations and conversation!

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