Do you catch yourself scrolling mindlessly on Instagram before bed or in the carpool line? Good news: You can turn your scrolling into a literacy-building activity for your kids! In a happy, literary corner of the internet, #bookstagram accounts offer an easy way to find reading recommendations and discover new authors.
Instead of the clothing hauls and makeup tips many online influencers share, “bookfluencers” are a vast collection of literacy advocates, book lovers, parents, and educators offering reviews and “book shelfies.”
With more than 50 million posts under the hashtag #bookstagram on Instagram, there are endless accounts to discover. We rounded up some of our favorites that share kids’ reads, so you can scroll and support your child’s literacy at the same time.
Here Wee Read – @hereweeread
Charnaie Gordon’s background is in computer programming but literacy is clearly her passion. The manager behind the popular Here Wee Read and 50 States by 50 Books accounts, Gordon also hosts a “bookish podcast dedicated to celebrating diverse and inclusive books for kids and adults.”
On Here Wee Read, you can find themed lists of children’s books—like “10 Black History Board Books for Tiny Readers”—along with peeks inside her favorite picture books and book-themed giveaways. Gordon says that, rather than “othering” diverse books or promoting books just for girls or for boys, she hopes her accounts foster the idea that all books are for everyone.
Helping Kids Rise – @helpingkidsrise
If you’re building a more inclusive home library, Helping Kids Rise is a great source of inspiration. Since 2016, the account has been sharing children’s books that “educate, empower, and affirm,” so you have years’ worth of recommendations to add to your shopping cart or library waitlist. Here, you’ll find books for all ages that feature role models and trailblazers throughout history.
Indigenous Bookshelf – @indigenousbookshelf
The Indigenous Bookshelf Instagram account highlights books by American Indigenous authors, with a focus on amplifying these voices in literature. While the account doesn’t exclusively feature children’s books, it frequently recommends picture books and middle-grade titles, offering a valuable resource for parents, educators, and young readers. The account also shares insights into Indigenous-owned bookstores, encouraging followers to support Native American businesses. Through well-curated recommendations, Indigenous Bookshelf promotes authentic representation in literature, helping to broaden the understanding of these cultures and stories across all age groups.
Maya Lê – @MaiStoryBookLibrary
Maya Lê’s Instagram account is a treasure trove for parents, educators, and book lovers, especially those seeking to expand their children’s literary world. With a focus on reviewing children’s picture books, Maya consistently highlights stories by diverse authors and illustrators, offering readers a rich selection of voices and perspectives. She regularly curates themed booklists, making it easy for her followers to discover new titles that align with their interests or specific topics they want to explore with young readers. Maya also shares engaging content on her YouTube channel and offers creative activities on Teachers Pay Teachers, making it easy for families and educators to deepen the reading experience. Her account is a valuable resource for promoting diverse storytelling and fostering a love of reading in young children.
Vera Ahiyya – @thetututeacher
Vera Ahiyya is an educator and children’s book author known for promoting inclusive and anti-bias education. On her social media accounts she shares books, classroom ideas, tips for educators, and resources focused on building empathy, community, and diversity in education. Vera has written a wide variety of children’s books, including You Have a Voice, which encourages children to speak up for themselves and others. Her work emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning and antiracist education, helping children feel confident in their identities while fostering positive change through the power of their voices.
Megan Reid – @ihaveabook4that
Megan Reid’s Instagram account offers a fresh and thoughtful approach to discovering children’s books. She specializes in recommending stories that open up important conversations, from celebrating diversity to exploring emotions. Megan’s carefully compiled selections help parents find books that not only entertain but also encourage learning and connection. Whether you’re searching for bedtime stories, tales that spark imagination, or books that reflect different cultures, her recommendations are accessible and meaningful. Following her account gives parents a reliable resource for finding stories that enrich their children’s reading experience and foster a love of books.
The Kid Lit Mama – @thekidlitmama
Elizabeth Mundt, aka The Kid Lit Mama, shares colorful videos on social media that share great children’s books resources. Parents and educators can expect lively, carefully selected content that inspires kids to dive into stories. While her videos are a highlight, she also offers additional resources and tips through her blog, making her platform an all-around valuable tool for fostering a love of reading.
Reading With Red + the Magpie – @readingwithredandthemagpie
Run by a homeschooling mother of two, this account shares inclusive book recommendations, often centered around themes of identity, environmentalism, and civil and social rights. Her thoughtfully chosen reading selections create opportunities for important conversations with children about the world around them. This account is a wonderful resource for parents seeking to broaden their kids’ perspectives and foster a love for books that promote social awareness and responsibility.
Maya Smart – @mayasmarty
Don’t forget to check out MayaSmart.com on Instagram! Connect with Maya to scroll through our latest literacy activities for parents and kids, to celebrate authors with us, to get book reccs, and much more. Our mission is to help your family read well to live well. Whether you’re expecting your first child or are well along in your parenting journey, we’re here to help you raise strong readers who will change the world.
Finally, also be sure to follow your local library if it’s on Instagram! So many have accounts with book recommendations and updates about community events like story times or book clubs.
P.S. Did you add one or two … or maybe 20 … books to your wish list after checking out these accounts? Consider getting them from a local bookstore or a black bookstore.
