After making names for themselves online, YouTube stars are finding a built-in audience for their books. From memoirs to novels to self-help, books by YouTubers are pretty much “must-reads” for fans — but kids eager for fresh voices may find a new favorite, too. Here’s a rundown of the ones kids are begging for:
“Stampy’s Lovely Book.” By the ever-popular Stampy, this book promotes the cartoon cat’s “Minecraft” gaming channel on YouTube and online gaming in general. The material is pretty thin but should appeal to the youngest “Minecraft” fans with its trivia, games, and puzzles.
“Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome.” YouTube star Robby Novak — known as Kid President — and his brother-in-law Brad Montague inspire kids to be more positive and spend more time making others happy. Lots of information on fun, silly, and meaningful ways to make a difference in the world.
“Girl Online: On Tour.” This follow-up to “Girl Online” by U.K. beauty and fashion vlogger Zoella (Zoe Sugg) is better and less saccharine than the first. Even new readers can easily hop on as the American girl and her rock star English boyfriend country-hop in Europe.
“In Real Life: My Journey to a Pixelated World.” This heartfelt, positive memoir by Joey Graceffa chronicles the ups and downs of his childhood and recent success on YouTube and TV. He details personal issues such as bullying and coming out as gay and gives advice on how to handle fame and online haters.
“Binge.” This memoir by YouTuber and LGBTQ advocate Tyler Oakley recalls formative events and times in his life and frankly talks about having sex, drinking, and more before he eventually made a successful living as a YouTube personality with millions of fans.
“Selp-Helf.” Miranda Sings — the online persona of actress/comedian Colleen Ballinger — has gained millions of followers on her YouTube channel that satirizes advice and how-to videos on YouTube. She does more of it here, riffing on health and beauty, fashion, career, romance, finances, and more.
“This Amazing Book Is Not on Fire.” British YouTubers danisnotonfire (Dan Howell) and AmazingPhil (Phil Lester) keep things upbeat and funny while providing insight into what it takes to make videos and detailing the perks of being YouTube stars.
“This Book Loves You.” Megastar YouTuber PewDiePie’s highly illustrated collection of advice satirizes social media memes and sappy quotes. The smart-alecky, tongue-in-cheek one-liners (“If life gives you lemons, complain”) are sure to appeal to his millions of followers.
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