While there’s no shortage of fantastic books about music geared towards young readers, music lovers will find this post a harmonious treat! Despite our individual tastes in music, it’s undeniable that music is an incredible art form that brings people together. From soundtracking life’s most cherished moments to providing a soundtrack for everyday experiences, music plays a vital role in shaping our memories and emotions.
If you’re on the hunt for books about music that will resonate with kids of all ages, look no further than these fantastic children’s and YA titles perfect for your little musicians, pre-teens, and teens.
Great Picture Books About Music
The Story of Rock by the Editors of Caterpillar Books
Immerse your little one in the world of music with this charming board book, which is part of a comprehensive series exploring different genres. The delightful illustrations of beloved rock icons like Bowie and the Beatles, accompanied by a simple and catchy rhyme scheme, will have your baby grooving to the beat.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Meet Gerald, the lovable giraffe with a confession to share – his spindly, crooked legs make him feel like he’s stuck in slow motion when it comes to busting a move on the dance floor. Yet, despite these physical limitations, Gerald discovers that being true to oneself is the key to finding one’s groove. This endearing tale of perseverance and self-acceptance will have you and your little ones grooving along with Gerald as he shows that even the most unlikely among us can boogie with confidence.
Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews and Bryan Collier
The story of Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews comes alive in this captivating picture book, which chronicles his remarkable journey from leading a band at just six years old to becoming the Grammy-nominated artist he is today. This inspiring tale not only showcases the musician’s incredible talent but also highlights the importance of perseverance and staying true to one’s passions.
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle and Rafael López
In a captivating tale inspired by real-life events, the story of ‘Drum Dream Girl’ takes center stage. The narrative follows Millo Castro Zalderriaga, a trailblazing Chinese-African-Cuban drummer who defied conventions and shattered glass ceilings. In an era where girls were not permitted to drum in Cuba, Millo’s passion for music was forced to remain a secret.
But when she finally revealed her remarkable talent, the response was unanimous – it was time to break free from the shackles of tradition and let everyone’s rhythm shine.
The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger, Paul Dubois Jacobs, and R. Gregory Christie
Lee’s life as a jazz musician took an unexpected turn when he lost his hearing. His passion for playing piano with his band was no longer feasible. However, this setback presented an opportunity for him to explore new ways of expressing himself creatively. He enrolled in a school for the deaf to learn American Sign Language (ASL), and it was there that he met Max and Rose, two fellow former musicians who shared his love for music.
The trio’s chance encounter sparked a creative revival, as they discovered a way to make music together once more.
Great Early Chapter Books about Music
A Horn for Louis by Eric A. Kimmel and James Bernardin
For those seeking children’s books that introduce advanced young readers to the world of music, this early chapter book is an excellent choice. It chronicles the life of a young Louis Armstrong, who at just 7 years old faced significant challenges. Despite his poverty, Louis’s passion for music drove him to work tirelessly on a junk wagon all day, every day, to help his mother pay rent. The turning point comes when Louis discovers a trumpet in a pawn shop window.
This inspiring tale showcases the transformative power of determination and talent, as poor young Louis grows into the legendary musician we know today.
Mylo and Max Break the World by Scott Charles
Max Chu’s life takes an unexpected turn when he wishes for a way out of performing in his upcoming concert at just 10 years old. His music instructor, Mylo Zapp, is not what he seems – a well-intentioned entrepreneur with a penchant for bending the rules. Mylo has a unique ability to grant wishes, but it’s against the law for him to do so. Despite this, Max convinces him to help take down his evil teacher and chaos ensues as reality begins to unravel.
With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Max must confront his fears and face the spotlight if he wants to set things right.
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden and Garth Williams
In this timeless tale, three unlikely friends – Chester Cricket, Tucker Mouse, and Harry Cat – navigate the vibrant streets of New York City. Chester, a recent transplant from Connecticut, finds himself lost in Times Square, where he crosses paths with his new companions. As their friendship blossoms, they stumble upon an unexpected talent hidden within Chester’s rural roots, one that would surprise even the most seasoned New Yorkers.
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White and Fred Marcellino
For over five decades, this beloved children’s book has been charming young readers with its timeless tale of self-expression and love. The story centers around a family of trumpeter swans, where Louis stands out as the only member unable to produce the characteristic trumpet sound. However, with the help of his father, who secures him a genuine brass trumpet, Louis gains the opportunity to hone his skills, pursue his passions, and maybe even find love along the way.
Moonlight on the Magic Flute by Mary Pope Osbourne and Sal Murdocca
The Magic Tree House series is a beloved favorite among many readers, with its unique blend of adventure, mystery, and historical exploration. The story follows the journeys of siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time, exploring different eras and meeting iconic figures from history. In this particular installment, the duo finds themselves in 18th century Austria, on a mission to track down and assist the renowned musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
However, their quest is hindered by the mischievous antics of a young troublemaker, forcing Jack and Annie to rely on their quick thinking and resourcefulness to overcome the obstacles and reach their goal.
Great Middle Grades Children’s Books about Music
Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly
In this captivating children’s book about music, 12-year-old Apple Yengko takes center stage. At the heart of the story lies a poignant exploration of cultural identity, as Apple navigates her Filipino American heritage in a world where others see her as too American by her mother’s standards or not American enough. Feeling abandoned by her friends and utterly alone, Apple finds solace in her guitar.
As she learns to play, she uncovers a new sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of herself, shedding light on the complexities of her identity.
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
In the world of #OwnVoices literature, a powerful tale of identity and belonging unfolds. Amina’s journey is marked by the struggles of fitting in and navigating complex relationships during middle school. As a Pakistani American, she grapples with the pressure to conform to societal norms in order to be accepted. However, when her local mosque falls victim to vandalism, Amina is compelled to take action.
Rather than compromising who she is, she chooses to harness the transformative power of her voice to bring unity and understanding to her diverse community. This poignant story continues in the pages of ‘Amina’s Song’.
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
Genesis’ story is one of resilience and self-discovery. At just 13 years old, she’s had to start over more times than she can count. The reason: her father’s struggles with compulsive gambling, which regularly puts their family on the verge of homelessness. But that’s not all – Genesis also faces a constant barrage of hurtful comments from her loved ones about the color of her skin. It’s no wonder then that her self-perception is filled with negativity and self-loathing.
Yet, when she starts fresh at a new school, something remarkable happens. She finds people who genuinely appreciate her for who she is – including a choir teacher who recognizes her extraordinary talent.
Jake the Fake Keeps it Real by Craig Robinson, Adam Mansbach, and Keith Knight
In a hilarious collaboration between actor and comedian Craig Robinson, screenwriter Adam Mansbach, and illustrator Keith Knight, this book takes readers on a laugh-out-loud adventure. Meet Jake, the protagonist who fakes his way into the prestigious Music and Art Academy by showcasing his mediocre piano skills. As Jake navigates the institution’s eccentricities with his wit and charm, he must use all his cunning to keep his lack of musical knowledge under wraps.
The story’s breakneck pace is perfectly complemented by Knight’s side-splitting illustrations, making for a truly sidesplitting read.
The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston
Among the wonderful children’s books about music featured in this list, one story stands out for its heartwarming portrayal of a young girl’s journey. Ten-year-old Cadence is struggling to cope with her mother’s sudden departure, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain about her own future. Despite her mother’s decision to pursue a career as a singing star, Cadence has inherited her mom’s remarkable musical talent, which she keeps hidden due to her shyness.
However, everything changes when someone anonymously shares a recording of Cadence’s beautiful voice with her entire church community, prompting her to reevaluate her reluctance to share her gift.
Great Young Adult Books about Music
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
In 2019, a chilling news story unfolded like a cautionary tale. Seventeen-year-old Enchanted, an aspiring singer, thought she had struck gold when superstar Korey Fields not only became her manager but also her supposed partner. However, the nearly three-decade-younger artist quickly exploited Enchanted’s naivety, leading to a disturbing account of manipulation, abuse, and a scathing indictment of rape culture.
Like many of Jackson’s works, this narrative is unflinchingly honest, making it unsuitable for those who shy away from the harsh realities.
Solo by Kwame Alexander
Unlike his famous father Rutherford Morrison, who has struggled with drug addiction, Blade Morrison yearns for a quiet life with his girlfriend Chapel. However, their love is met with opposition from Chapel’s parents, who are concerned about the potential impact of Blade’s musical talent and his father’s notorious reputation on their family.
As Blade grapples with this adversity, he stumbles upon a shocking family secret that leaves him grappling with unanswered questions and a cryptic letter, which ultimately leads to a ticket to Ghana – a journey that will change his life forever.
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales & Cale Dietrich
As the highly anticipated queer YA romance hits shelves, fans of Saturday, a renowned boy-band, are treated to an intimate portrayal of what it’s like to be a teen heartthrob. But behind the scenes, 18-year-old Zach feels suffocated by the pressures of keeping his sexuality hidden from the public eye. The stakes are further heightened when he and best friend-turned-bandmate Ruben begin to realize their feelings for each other.
As they navigate the consequences of being open about their relationship in the glare of the spotlight, this December release promises to be a wild ride.
Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky
Observer.com likened this amusing narrative to ‘misery’ for the Belieber generation, drawing parallels with the cult classic film Heathers. The story revolves around a group of best friends and ardent fans who inadvertently abduct a member of their beloved boy band. This darkly comedic tale is replete with pop culture allusions and sidesplitting moments.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
In Angie Thomas’s latest masterpiece, we’re reacquainted with another fearless Black girl protagonist – this time around, it’s Bri, a young woman determined to make a name for herself as a rapper. However, Bri faces an uphill battle in pursuing her dreams. She’s constantly overshadowed by the legacy of her father, a renowned underground hip-hop artist who met a tragic end just before achieving mainstream success.
Additionally, her mother is struggling to make ends meet and pressures Bri to prioritize her education and pursue a more conventional career path. As a result, Bri must navigate the conflicting expectations surrounding her identity and find her unique voice amidst the cacophony of opinions seeking to define her.