Books for your music classroom

In this brilliant story about ambition and social inequality, Angie Thomas beautifully captures the power of rap music as a source of self-expression and strength. Bri is determined to follow in her father's footsteps and become one of the greatest rappers of all time. As her family's financial situation grows more and more dire, Bri's determination grows and she fights tooth and nail for her big break.

Toni and Olivia are both feeling a little lost – Toni grieving her late father, and Olivia nursing a broken heart. When they meet at the Farmland Music and Arts Festival, it's electric. As the girls' feelings for each other grow, a tragic event at the festival forces them to tackle their demons head-on. This is a heartfelt story that perfectly captures the atmosphere of music festivals and the joyous community surrounding live music.

The story of a girl who doesn't feel cool or noticed, but who loves music and who is desperate to find out who she is and what she wants from life. Written by singer/songwriter Christine Pillainayagam, it is a great book for anyone who doesn't feel that they fit in but for whom music can open new doors.

In this immersive musical read, Jeffrey Boakye describes the arrival of the Windrush generation as marking the start of modern black Britain. Each chapter introduces a new song from the global music community, using the sounds of the past to trace Britain's black history. From calypso to reggae to grime – Jeffrey discusses the power of music as a form of celebration, resistance, a means to talk about oppression and more.

Perfect for reading in summer during the festival season, Remix follows Kaz and Ruby as they head to Remix Festival together. Set across one thrilling weekend, we follow Kaz and Ruby as their friendship is tested. Two very different personalities, and with relationships and new friends thrown into the mix, can their friendship stand the summer heat? With wonderfully real characters, who are openly flawed and make mistakes, this is a great read for any music fan.

Catherine sets Emily Bronte's classic Wuthering Heights against the backdrop of the modern New York music scene. When Chelsea unearths a 14-year-old letter from her mother Catherine, she has to trace her steps through an infamous underground music venue, charting her choice between a relationship with fellow musician Hence or her own dreams.

Anime fan Scout really wants to meet her favourite author at a local festival, but her dad won’t let her go. So she hatches a plan to join the school band, who happen to be going to the same festival. The only problem is she can’t play an instrument. But band kids have it easy don't they? How hard can it be? A sweet and funny graphic novel about friendship, perseverance, music and finding your passions in life.

Angel is an Ark superfan – obsessed with her favourite boyband, she feels distant from her family who don’t understand her adoration. Jimmy is The Ark’s lead singer, with fans chanting his name at every gig. However, more and more often he feels overwhelmed by the pressures of superstardom. This coming-of-age novel is a love letter to our favourite musicians, and a wise meditation on mental health.