// Content warning: death of a parent, homophobia, racism, bullying, panic attacks, being outed, medical emergency //
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 stars
// Quick Review //
You Should See Me in a Crown is an authentic novel about finding yourself, happiness, and a good relationship. In a town where being yourself (even in 2020) is a challenge, Liz Lighty manages to make her prom an event to remember.
// Other Information //
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Page Count: 336 pages
Release Date: June 2, 2020
Series: None
Genre: Fiction, Young adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Realistic fiction, Romance
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Liz Lighty has always believed she’s too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it’s okay — Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.
But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz’s plans come crashing down . . . until she’s reminded of her school’s scholarship for prom king and queen. There’s nothing Liz wants to do less than endure a gauntlet of social media trolls, catty competitors, and humiliating public events, but despite her devastating fear of the spotlight she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get to Pennington.
The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. She’s smart, funny, and just as much of an outsider as Liz. But Mack is also in the running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?
// Characters //
The depth and liveliness of the characters is incredibly well-written. The story follows Liz Lighty, a black and queer teen whose dream is to get into Pennington for her mom. Liz does her best to fit in at Campbell’s high school where she’s an outsider. And while this might normally work, Liz now has to stand out if she wants to earn the scholarship money to allow her to follow her dreams. Along the way she meets Mack, the super cool redhead who also happens to be running for prom queen.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this novel is how realistic and sweet Liz and Mack’s relationship is. The build up to their romance is perfect and full of love. Too often WLW relationships in novels or movies are flimsy and not well though out, however this was not the case with You Should See Me in a Crown.
Besides Mack and Liz’s relationship, which I’m sure we’re all here for, the other characters were not very complex. They all seemed to be your stereotypical side characters, friends, and enemies. With basic side characters, it made this book have the feeling of watching an early 2000’s movie, just much gayer. The only side character that I really felt had depth was Jordan Jennings, Liz’s ex-friend.
// Writing and Setting //
If you are a fan of Kacen Callender’s writing style, then you will definitely be a fan of Leah Johnson’s. It is simplistic yet unapologetically teenager-esque. And while some may not like the cheesiness and cliche that comes along with prom and teenage romance, I loved it in this novel.
The novel takes place in 2020 in Campbell, Indiana. Campbell is a small town where prom is the ultimate event of the year and where bleached blonde girls claw each other to win prom queen.
// Plot //
I really enjoyed the plot of this novel, and it was one of my favorite aspects of the book (besides Mack and Liz’s relationship). Liz’s dream is to go to Pennington, just like her mom wanted her to. While Liz’s mom isn’t around anymore, unfortunately due to sickle cell disease, Liz still wants to carry on with her original plan. It’s only when Liz doesn’t get the scholarship to Pennington that she starts to panic. When her brother, Robbie, insists that she run for prom queen to win the prize, a scholarship, Liz enlists her group of friends to help her. With the help of her impossibly determined friends, Liz begins to climb the social ladder and step into the light, something her introvert self is not used to.
What Liz doesn’t realize though, is that in a town not too accepting of those different than them, Liz might just find that special someone. Mack is a fiery and enthusiastic redhead who is new in Campbell, and Liz can’t help but notice how much she is beginning to like her.
The growth of Liz throughout the novel is very apparent. From introvert to extrovert overnight, Liz is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams, even if it means tearing down a system that benefits the queens of the school.
I loved that this novel shows the complexity in one’s life. We all have obligations, relationships, and passions that intermingle and conflict, and sometimes we have to choose between them. High school is already hard enough, yet Liz has to deal with her future, her present, and her past all at one time. She has to make sure she can get into college, spend time with her friends and family, build a relationship with Mack, care for her little brother, and discover herself. Liz is strong, and it’s something I admire.
// Overall Review //
While cliché at times, You Should See Me in a Crown is a cute gay romance about being unapologetically yourself, even if the world around you won’t appreciate your beauty.
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Maya's Reviews 