HOUSTON – Today on Houston Life, we learned a new word, ‘bookstagrammer.’
Books + Instagram describes a community of book lovers giving reviews, posting funny videos, suggesting topics, and connecting with their audience.
Jasmine Washington is one of the bookstagrammers and a local librarian with an Instagram account, Trip Through The Pages. She takes you on a literary journey highlighting young adult novels and children’s books celebrating culture and heritage.
Washington shares her passion for reading, specifically young adult and graphic novels, to create awareness in children.
“I’m very much about like working with the youth. I think that if we want to look towards having a better and brighter future, we need to make an investment in them.”
In honor of Black History Month, she shared four easy-to-read fun picture books and novels about encouragement, communities, and hip-hop that are perfect for any age.
(1) There Was a Party for Langston Hughes
Picture Book by Jason Reynolds, Jerome Pumphrey & Jarrett Pumphrey.
Each page consists of beautiful typographic illustrations that are perfect for storytime.
(2) The Light She Feels Inside
Picture Book by Gwendolyn Wallace, Olivia Duchess.
It features a black girl trying to understand emotions through obstacles and struggles. The light she feels takes her on a journey toward a brighter future.
(3) You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight
Young Adult Fiction by Kalynn Bayron.
Perfect for people who like thrillers and horror. There aren’t many black horror books, and this one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This book is also LGBTQ-friendly.
(4) Hip Hop: The Beat of America
Juvenile Non-Fiction Graphic Novel by Jarrett Williams.
Music lovers will love this book. It’ll take you through the history of hip-hop culture in a fun way.
For more book recommendations, click → here to connect with bookstagrammer Jasime Washington as she takes you on a trip with her favorite children and young adult books.