It’s no secret that we love Disney movies, but what you might not know is that we love Disney books just as much. There’s a reason why Beauty and the Beast is one of our favorite films, and why we’re kindred spirits with beloved bibliophilic princess Belle. Naturally, when we’re reading and using our imaginations, sometimes songs pop into our heads, and sometimes it turns out that those songs are the perfect complement to our book of choice.

Our friends at Disney Publishing lent us a few new captivating Young Adult novels that we couldn’t put down. Some of them craft stories based on characters you know and love, and some tell a completely new tale. We read through each one, and matched it up with a song that seemed to be the a great companion piece. Find out which songs we chose, why we made the match, and listen to a playlist of our picks on Spotify.

A Thousand Nights and “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten



A Thousand Nights is a new retelling of the classic One Thousand and One Nights through the eyes of a brave young girl who must take it upon herself to end the reign of a tyrannical, yet misunderstood ruler. It takes the original story and turns it on its head, weaving a tale of strong, empowered women who work together to set their twisted world right. The moment we cracked the book open we thought of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Every lyric of the song reflects the themes in A Thousand Nights, no kidding. Give it a read and you’ll see what we mean.

A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale and “Lean On” by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring MØ



“What if Aladdin had never found the lamp?” is the premise of A Whole New World: A Twisted Tale. While we don’t want to give too much of the story away, it’s safe for you to assume that a character who’s super evil captures the lamp, and Aladdin, Jasmine, and friends must all work together to defeat him. Authored by Liz Braswell, the author of The Nine Lives of Chloe King series, the book is about Aladdin and his crew leaning on each other, and is set in a fictional middle-eastern locale, so pairing it with song of the summer “Lean On” is pretty much a given.

Before Tomorrowland and “A Story About the Future” by Michael Giacchino



The prequel to Tomorrowland sets the scene for the magic of the movie. It’s only fitting that we pair it with a selection from Michael Giacchino’s soaring score. (This score also made the cut as one of our 10 favorite Michael Giacchino scores).

A Frozen Heart and Never Ending Circles by CHVRCHES



Frozen fans will see their favorite story in a whole new light in A Frozen Heart. The book features Anna and Hans’s individual experiences within the larger plot of the film. “Never Ending Circles”, from CHVRCHES’ latest release, sounds like something Anna could have written herself: ♫ Throw me no more bones and I will tell you no lies, this time at least I am not so cold, you give me everything I never deserved, this time you know I’ll leave ♫ Cue Anna punching Hans’ smug face.

Star Wars: Lost Stars and “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran



While there’s no question that Lost Stars (the latest installment in the journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) is about adventure and danger, there’s a beautiful love story interwoven into the plot as well. Two childhood friends find themselves a galaxy apart, one on the side of the Rebellion, and the other the Empire, but they have memories of happier times, which keeps them together—much like sweet songwriter Ed Sheeran and the object of his affections in the popular song, “Photograph.”

Hunter and “Paper Doll” by Bea Miller



Bea Miller is the definition of strong and independent, much like the main character in Hunter, Joy Charmand. Set in a dystopian future where otherworldly creatures wreak havoc on humans, it is the responsibility of hunters like Joy to protect everyone from constant, imminent danger. Joy is a character who takes charge and refuses to be put into a box, so “Paper Doll” is a song we think she would identify with.

Trollhunters and “Dark Side” by R5



Trollhunters centers around Jim Sturges, a typical suburban SoCal teenager whose life is turned upside down when a 45-year-old mystery resurfaces and threatens the lives of everyone in his town. Jim is forced to team up with a band of unlikely (and some un-human) heroes to battle monsters he never knew existed. R5’s song “Dark Side” is a fitting companion piece to this dangerous, adventurous story.

Black Widow: Forever Red and “Keys to the Past” by Brian Tyler



If there’s one superhero we can’t get enough of, it’s Black Widow (seriously, we want to see more of her in the films)! Her background is secretive and mysterious in the Avengers films. Black Widow: Forever Red delves into Natasha’s life as it collides with a young girl named Ava Orlova, whom Widow rescued long ago. There’s no soundtrack more epic and fitting here than Avengers: Age of Ultron, and this book definitely gives readers the keys to Natasha’s past.

The Beast Within and “Holding On” by Disclosure



Ever wondered what the Beast was like before he met Belle and became a changed, better man? If so, The Beast Within will be right up your alley. Disclosures’ new album offers a song that seems to sum up what Beast might be feeling: ♫ Though my past has left me bruised I ain’t hiding from the truth. ♫

Once Upon A Time: Red’s Untold Tale and “Here For You” by Kygo featuring Ella Henderson



If you’re a Once Upon A Time fan who wants even more OUAT goodness, this book is the one for you. Get a closer glimpse at what Red Riding Hood really went through, and what she had to sacrifice for the ones she loved. Throughout the story, Red proves that she’s there for the ones she loves, and “Here For You” goes along with that theme nicely.

Grab any of these books from Disney Publishing today. Which one do you want to read first? Tell us in the comments!

Posted 5 years Ago