If you love music and are looking for YA books featuring characters who are musicians, songwriters, or band members, you have come to the right place! Check out my list of the 20 Best YA Books About Music
20 Best YA Books About Music
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YA Music Books About Musical Theater Hijinks
My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy (2024)
What do you do when your ex lands the starring role in the school musical? Well, you arrange a fauxmance with the cute guy on the stage crew in hopes of making him jealous. And then, maybe, you fall in love! This m/m musical theater romance will make your hear sing! My Fair Lady meets She’s All That!
If you love a fauxmance, also check out Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martin (2021) How does a publicly dumped pop star mend that broken heart and solve her PR problem? All together now: a fauxmance! Could pretending to be in love lead to love?
You can also check out my list of YA Books Featuring Fake Dating!
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce (2024)
Riley wants to be a director, so she’s crushed when her school cancels the spring musical. Even worse, she’s grounded and has to work in her father’s gaming store. Can her new friendship with a cute D & D guy get her career dreams back on track? And maybe a romance too?
YA Music Books About Me Too issues in the Music Industry
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson (2021)
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is a chilling story about a young woman determined to break into the R & B industry, and the predatory star who takes an interest in her … and ends up dead. Check out my review of this gripping book here!
Off the Record by Camryn Garrett (2021)
A high school journalist is thrilled to get the assignment of a lifetime: to interview a rising music star. But then she starts to hear rumors about a powerful man in the industry who’s abusing women. If she speaks up, or follows the story, will her career be over?
YA Music Books: Behind the Scenes in the Music Industry
Lucky Caller by Emma Mills (2020).
A girl takes a radio broadcasting class and discovers an obscure 90s band. This features a great behind-the-scenes look at the radio business. Read my review of Lucky Caller here.
More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn (2020)
The son of a famous punk rocker prefers a life behind the scenes. But he’s falling hard for an aspiring music journalist. Read my review of More Than Maybe here.
You can also check out This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales (2013), a story about a girl who fights depression and low self-worth and finds her purpose in DJing.
Read my review of This Song Will Save Your Life!
Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson (2019)
Set in the iconic 1990s Brooklyn rap world, two friends try to promote their murdered friend’s rap music.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas (2019)
A young and aspiring female rapper deals with viral fame and unwanted controversy.
YA Books Featuring Classical Musicians
Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert (2018)
Yvonne, worried that she won’t be good enough to be accepted into a music conservatory, meets a young street musician who helps her rediscover her love of music. Check out my review of Finding Yvonne!
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr (2013)
Lucy was once an up-and-coming concert pianist. Until a tragedy and a betrayal force her to quit. When her younger brother gets a new piano teacher, he offers to help her learn to play for herself.
Check out my Review of the Lucy Variations!
YA Music Books About Love, Loss and Music
The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk (2018)
Three teens whose lives have been struck by tragedy find solace in the music of the same band.
Where She Went by Gayle Forman (2011)
After a tragedy drives them apart, high school sweethearts Mia and Adam (she an accomplished cellist, he a rock star) reconnect.
YA Books Set In Performing Arts Boarding Schools
Noteworthy by Riley Redgate (2017)
A girl decides to disguise herself as a guy to join an elite prep school singing group at her prestigious school for the performing arts. Think She’s the Man meets Pitch Perfect! Check out my review of Noteworthy!
Not Your Average Jo by Grace K Shim (2024)
A Korean-American girl raised in the South wants to be an indie artist. But she faces racial stereotyping and struggles with the favoritism that’s shown to a nepo baby at her LA-based performing arts school.
You should also check out the XOXO and ASAP books by Axie Oh, set at a Korean Performing Arts School!
Two More YA Books With Musical Themes:
The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (2012)
Colby has a plan to tour around Europe with his girlfriend Bev’s band, until she dumps him.
Sunkissed by Kasie West (2022)
A girl stuck at a summer resort with her family gains the confidence to step on stage with the staff band. Dirty Dancing vibes, anyone?
Which of these Best YA Books About Music have you read? Talk to me in comments!
Yes, this post has expanded from 10 books to 20!
I need to finish Let Me Hear a Rhyme
I remember Where She Went not being reviewed nearly as favorably as If I Stay but I thought it was wonderful. I loved getting the rest of Adam and Mia’s journey.
They are really different books, I agree. I found If I Stay so unbearably sad. I didn’t put it on the list as it seemed like more of a grief book than a music book, though it was both, of course.
And Where She Went more of a second chance at love romance.