With a brand-new album, Happier Than Ever, and a British Vogue cover that nearly broke the internet, everyone’s talking about Billie Eilish. An award-winning singer-songwriter, Billie is beloved by her fans for being honest, relatable, and real. She’s been incredibly open about her struggles and her passions. Check out this YA book roundup inspired by some of the things we love most about Billie!
Because she appreciates a donut: Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
We loved watching Billie snack her way around a mall food court in the music video for “Therefore I Am.” Therefore, we are putting Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck on our list. Lou, one of the main characters in the book, cares about food waste so much that she’s tackling the issue at her high school. Oskar (along with his grandfather) runs a food truck that sells delicious Swedish pastries based on his family’s recipes. Donuts, music videos with donuts, and books about donuts? We’ll take all of the donuts, please.
Because she is truly and authentically herself: Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins
We love that Billie is never afraid to be herself. She’s frequently spoken up about issues like body inclusivity and the scrutiny faced by young women in the spotlight. That’s why we’re including Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins. This fun rom-com also looks at the price of fame for young women in the music industry. Natalia is a Brazilian pop star who falls apart after a messy public breakup, then uses the experience to embrace her authentic self. While Billie seems ahead of Natalia in her self-acceptance journey, we think she’d cheer Natalia on and give her some great advice.
Because she’s spoken out about sexual harassment: Off the Record by Camryn Garrett
Billie has discussed the pervasiveness of sexual harassment in the music industry and beyond. So our list had to include Off the Record by Camryn Garrett, a book with a main character who advocates for survivors of sexual harassment and amplifies their stories. Josie is a teen reporter who’s given a dream assignment. But Josie’s dream turns into a nightmare when she hears whispers about a famous person who’s a serial abuser. We think Billie and Josie would have a lot to discuss!
Because she has confessed to being obsessed with horror movies: Room Service by Maren Stoffels and Prom House by Chelsea Mueller
In an interview, Billie revealed her love of horror movies and how they’ve influenced her. We love scary stuff, too, so we’re adding Room Service by Maren Stoffels to our list. This book, about four friends celebrating their birthday weekend together at a hotel, will give you all the horror movie chills. If you devour this one and are craving another creepy page-turner, you should check out That Weekend by Kara Thomas. What’s supposed to be an after-prom getaway turns into a nightmare when Claire wakes up alone and bloodied on a hiking trail with no memory of the past forty-eight hours.
Because her relationship with her brother is sibling goals: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
We’re impressed by anyone who chooses to hang out with their siblings, so we’re in awe of the fact that Billie and her brother Finneas write and perform together, as well as being super supportive of each other’s careers. Since the Billie-Finneas sibling relationship is so aspirational, we’ve put Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim on our list. When Shiori accidentally loses control of her forbidden magic, she’s banished from her kingdom and her six brothers are turned into cranes. Even worse, if she tells anyone, her brothers will die. Six Crimson Cranes is about Shiori’s quest to save her beloved brothers and reclaim her life. If this were to happen to Billie, we know she’d not only save Finneas, she’d write an amazing song about it.
Tell us in comments, what do you love most about Billie, and what books would you add to our list?
