Best Music Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2025

Building Unstoppable Self-Confidence for Teens is a guidebook that helps teenagers find their true selves and overcome limitations to create their best lives. The book offers practical steps to help readers embrace their uniqueness, regain self-confidence, and escape the trap of comparison. It also provides valuable insights on how to handle bullies, pursue passions, and love oneself. This book is a great resource for teenagers struggling with self-esteem issues and peer pressure. It offers a fresh perspective on how to be true to oneself and create a fulfilling life.

Echo is a Newbery Honor Book that tells the story of Otto, who meets three sisters in a forbidden forest and becomes involved in a puzzling quest involving a harmonica. Decades later, the same harmonica lands in the lives of Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy, who face daunting challenges but are brought together by music and destiny. The book pushes the boundaries of genre, form, and storytelling innovation to create a wholly original novel that will resound in your heart long after the last note has been struck. Echo is a must-read for music lovers and fans of historical fiction.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming and humorous book that tells the story of Steven, a drummer in the All-City Jazz Band, who faces a life-changing situation when his younger brother Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia. The book explores Steven's journey as he navigates through his brother's illness, his band, school, and love interest. The author, Jordan Sonnenblick, beautifully portrays the complexities of family relationships and the struggles of growing up. The book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humorous fiction books for teens and young adults.

"On The Come Up" by Angie Thomas is a YA novel that tells the story of Bri, a 16-year-old girl who aspires to become one of the greatest rappers of all time. Bri's first song goes viral for all the wrong reasons, and she soon finds herself at the center of a controversy. Despite being portrayed by the media as more menace than MC, Bri fights for her dreams, even as the odds are stacked against her. This insightful and unflinching book is an ode to hip hop and a powerful story about fighting for what you believe in, even when the world is against you.

The If I Stay Collection by Gayle Forman is a heart-wrenching duet of novels that explores the aftermath of a tragic accident that leaves Mia's life hanging in the balance. The collection includes If I Stay and Where She Went, both New York Times bestsellers, which follow Mia's journey of love, loss, and hope. The books are beautifully written and emotionally charged, making them an excellent choice for readers interested in fiction about death and dying. Overall, this collection is a must-read for young adults who enjoy stories that tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impact.

XOXO is a captivating story about Jenny, a classically trained cellist who falls in love with a K-pop idol, Jaewoo. When Jenny and her mother move to Seoul, she finds herself enrolled in the same arts academy as Jaewoo, but their relationship is strictly forbidden. Author Axie Oh delivers a modern forbidden romance wrapped in the glamorous and exclusive world of K-pop. The story captures the essence of chasing dreams without sacrificing your heart. The book is a perfect pick for fans of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo, and it is a great addition to the Music Fiction Books for Teens & Young Adults category.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman is a highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling novel, If I Stay. The story continues from Adam's point of view, several years after Mia's decision to stay but not with him. The novel explores the pain of rejection and the possibility of rekindled love. The author's writing style beautifully captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. This book is a must-read for fans of If I Stay and anyone who enjoys a poignant, heart-wrenching story.

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is a gripping and heart-wrenching mystery that sheds light on the disturbing reality of rape culture, misogynoir, and the vulnerability of young black girls. The story follows Enchanted Jones, a young black girl whose dreams of becoming a famous singer are shattered when she wakes up with blood on her hands and no memory of the previous night. With a plot that hits the highest highs and lowest lows of Black girlhood, Grown is a powerful and essential read that stays with you long after you finish the book.

The Unstoppable Bridget Bloom by Allison L. Bitz is a bright and fun fat-positive YA novel that follows Bridget's journey of self-discovery, humility, friendship, and love. Although Bridget's dream of launching her Broadway career seems to come true when she's admitted to Richard James Academy, it turns out that she's not eligible to perform due to her low music theory scores. However, Bridget is unstoppable, and without her voice, she finds a new way to shine. Bitz's debut novel is a funny, bold, and heartwarming ode to the thrill of performing, the beauty of friendships, and the joy of falling in love. The inclusion of sheet music for two original songs adds to the charm of the book.

"Once Upon a KProm" is a delightful and amusing YA romance novel that follows Elena, a high school student who is more interested in saving the local community center than attending prom. However, her plans are thrown off course when K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her doorstep, asking her to be his date. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges of fame. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making the story all the more engaging. Overall, "Once Upon a KProm" is a fun and heartwarming read that will leave readers feeling satisfied and entertained.