writehollydavis
Written on Oct 3, 2020
The very first book pick for Reese Witherspoon's
YA Book Club!
'[A] super funny, joyful story that'll
have you reliving your high school prom days!' -
Reese's YA Book Club.
Liz has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward
to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed town. But
Liz has an escape plan to attend an uber-elite 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 college.
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?
Becky Albertalli meets Jenny Han in a smart, hilarious,
black girl magic, own voices rom-com by fantastic debut talent,
Leah Johnson.
- ISBN13 9780702304323
- Publish Date 2 July 2020 (first published 2 June 2020)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Scholastic
- Format Paperback
- Pages 336
- Language English
Reviews
Amber (The Literary Phoenix)
Written on Aug 16, 2020
The book's so well written and the realism and issues folded together nicely. My critical brain was fully able to step back and just enjoy this book. And what a great book it was?
Liz Lightly is a music nerd, a Black girl, and likes girls. In the small town of Campbell, none of the things really endear her to running for Prom Queen, especially not in a town where Prom is a Really Big Deal. When a scholarship for her dream school doesn't pan out, the $10,000 awarder being voted Prom Queen feels like the only way out. And Liz is game. She's a fighter. It's the Lighty way.
I like Liz or many reasons, but one of these reasons was because she's messy. Liz Lighty is an underdog in so many ways and she's such a strong person because when the world kicks her down, so gets back up again. Every. Single. Time. Most of this book feels like just a normal semester in Liz's life but as you read further and further, you feel Liz's exhaustion and the burdens she bears every day by just being who she is, let alone trying to get the scholarship. There are so many brilliant thing Leah Johnson did in You Should See Me in a Crown, one of which was that the fact that Liz would be the first Black Prom Queen in town... but that was never the Point of the story. Johnson keeps this story about Liz, not about making a statement about changing the world. Instead, she showed the world from Liz's perspective and helped make the reader aware of the problems. There are people who are terrible in the universe and people who are trying to do better.
I liked that this story about about Liz, and not about racism, homophobia, or a specific issue. Issue books are important and have their place, but books about people are important, too. This is an important book in its own right, but it's important to see the people in stories and not just the issues. And You Should See Me in a Crown touches on so much! Liz feels so alive in this book, with so many interests and worries and small joys, and I was really rooting for her the whole time. And, don't get me wrong - the issues here are important and need to be given their consideration. But Liz isn't taking on the world here. She's taking care of her world.
You Should See Me in a Crown is a great story about life and love and friendship and dreams and fear and hope and just... it's genuinely such a good book. It has a lot to teach its readers, it makes you mad at times but in the ways it aims to. It's an enjoyable read alongside being an important one. I totally, completely, 100% recommend it.
alindstadtcorbeax
Written on Jul 14, 2020
roundtableknight
Written on Jun 23, 2020
~
I really don't know how to review this book except to say just read it. Honestly. I went into this book knowing only the synopsis, and came out with so much more. The amount of love, joy, fear, and strength in this book and in Liz was astounding to read about, and I was hooked from the first Hamilton reference and never looked back. This is a book about being different than other people; being queer in the Midwest, where some people still look down upon it but others lift you up; and what it means to be black, which is something I am not, and understanding a little bit more by reading about Liz's courage and her fears. I can't wait to read more from this author, and to read more books like this.
inlibrisveritas
Written on Jun 21, 2020
Liz is such an amazing mc. I adored how strong-willed and caring she is, and even when she stumbles and gets overwhelmed she still finds a way to push forward. Her relationship with Amanda is so earnest and pure, and...god I just love it.
Not only is the book fantastic in terms of how loveable a lot of the characters are, but it also deals with some heavier subjects like anxiety and chronic illness which was handled very well.
This book almost makes me want to start fully reviewing books again,I just have so much to gush over.
Sam@WLABB
Written on Jun 14, 2020
• Pro: If I pick the best thing about this book, it would be LIZ! She stole my heart early on, and continued to burrow her way, deeper and deeper, throughout the story. I will never not root for an underdog, but I also found so many other reasons to love Liz. She was driven, witty, sweet, smart, and ambitious. She was a good granddaughter and sister, and dedicated her time to helping others. She charmed me to no end, and I loved her to pieces.
• Pro: Liz and Jordan's relationship was very special. Once besties, they had became "estranged" freshman year. Reunited via the competition for the crown, I saw the rift between them slowly narrowing, and it made my heart sing. Jordan became a very important part of her support system, as Liz sought her title, and they shared some really beautiful and meaningful moments too.
• Pro: Liz's #EffYouFairyTale movement was inspiring. Seeing her take back some power from those, who had made her feel less-than and unworthy was empowering. I may have let loose some applause, maybe a "whoo hoo" here and there as well.
• Pro: You all know I came for the romance, and it was so sweet and adorable. The flutters, the looks, and the kisses were all there. I adored Mack, and could not have picked a better love interest for Liz. She really seemed to have met her match in Mack. The way they geeked out to their favorite band was so fun, and I was rather pleased to see a sort of mini grand gesture in there too. I wanted to shout about it, but I want you to enjoy it as much as I did.
• Pro: I may label this book as "fluffy", but Liz's story wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. She faced many issues as a poor, Black, queer woman. It was her struggle with her "otherness", however, which touched me the most. It was heartbreaking to see her have to hide pieces of herself, and that she felt like she had to keep those parts hidden.
• Pro: This book was treat to read. Johnson wrote a story, which filled me with so much bliss. It was the feel-good book I really needed, and I am grateful, that I had the opportunity to see Liz realize her own fairytale.
Overall: When a book can make me laugh, cry, smile, swoon, and dance for joy, it gets all the stars.
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bestmessever
Written on Jun 12, 2020
The chemistry in this book between Liv and Mac is off the charts. I could feel the butterflies and longing glances and it was glorious. This is definitely one of those books I could have used when I was in school but I am so glad that its out not and hopefully will help the younger generation that is stuck in those small towns that seem to judge your every move.
I couldn't recommend this book more. #Fuckyourfairytale
katie
Written on Jun 5, 2020
❤