Book Riot published a list of 2026 young adult novels with titles resembling popular song names or lyrics, dubbing them literary earworms. The feature spotlights eight upcoming releases tied to tracks by artists including Taylor Swift and Rachel Platten. These titles blend music and teen stories, reflecting the close link between YA literature and popular music.
An earworm, in this context, refers to a song stuck in one's head, here triggered by YA book titles matching or echoing well-known songs. Book Riot's March 19, 2026, article previews titles releasing this year, noting the list is not comprehensive as later releases remain unannounced. It draws on past examples, like 2025's 'Call Your Boyfriend' by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk, evoking Robyn’s 'Call Your Girlfriend.' Music resonates with teen experiences, making such titles fitting for YA novels. The highlighted books include: 'As Long As You Loathe Me' by Swati Hegde (March 31), following Meera Rao-George's crush and rivalry with ex-friend Lucy Hughson. 'Cruel Summer (The Taylors #2)' by Elizabeth Eulberg (available now), part of a Taylor Swift-inspired series about four girls named Taylor facing summer secrets; nods to Taylor Swift and Bananarama. 'Everything Comes Back to You' by Jackie Khalilieh (August 4), starring autistic Palestinian Canadian Lennon navigating high school romance; inspired by Niall Horan’s 'This Town.' 'Fight Song' by Kirk Van Brunt (September 15), about Indigenous hockey player Nokes Lasley pursuing Olympics amid family turmoil; from Rachel Platten’s song. 'Good Luck, Babe' by Erin Baldwin (June 23), where ex-besties Noelle and Yumi fake-date on a reality show. 'I’m Gonna Get You Back' by Eva Des Lauriers (May 19), a second-chance romance during small-town Legacy Weekend; another Taylor Swift track. 'Love Me Tomorrow' by Emiko Jean (available now), as Emma Nakamura-Thatcher hunts a future love via a mysterious letter; echoes The Shirelles and Chicago. 'We’re a Bad Idea, Right?' by K.L. Walther (March 31), with Audrey's fake-dating scheme funding her glassblowing dreams; Olivia Rodrigo influence. Past lists cover 2025, 2023, 2022, 2020, and 2019.