You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson Book Review
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Read more in my Affiliate Disclosure here.
For readers who love: High school rom-coms, queer coming-of-age stories, or feel-good underdog stories.
My rating: 4.25/5 stars
Triggers: Racism, homophobia, public outing, illness, grief, and brief profanity.
Publisher’s Summary (from Scholastic):
“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?”
First Impressions
At first, You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson felt like the usual high school rom-com, but halfway through, it bloomed into something more empowering and impactful.
Liz’s need for a scholarship forces her to push past her comfort zone. Despite being an unpopular, Black, queer student in a majority white school, Liz has to strive for higher social ranking to reach prom queen status.
This dynamic switches things up in the traditional high school YA plot. Liz crosses social boundaries, and we as readers get to follow her journey in a sea of sameness toward distinguished standing.
The Plot Thickens
As the story progressed, the book became moving for me.
Liz and Amanda’s love story was a balance between cute puppy love and empowered defiance of the status quo. Their relationship brought surprises and new energy to the plot. For one thing, it was a different experience in the high school genre for the love interests to hang out with their favorite band before a show.
Of course it’s also refreshing to see queer representation in YA fiction.
Apparently, the book’s queer representation moved the novel to the Banned Book List. I appreciate Johnson's commitment to representation and diversity. I’m sure LGBTQ+ teens appreciate a fun rom-com read where they are in the spotlight.
I really loved the second half of the book where the veil of high school clichés wore off.
Liz makes the mistake not telling the whole truth to Amanda about why she is not out. This turns into the classic lying trope where there’s a big reveal and time apart. Initially, I cringed at another take at this classic plot device, but it actually helped to get deeper insight into Liz’s character.
We see her family, learn about her mother’s death from sickle cell, and how she has managed her brother’s journey with the same condition.
She rekindles her relationship with her old friend, Jordan Jennings. How many high school stories let a guy and girl be friends without it being romantic? Very nicely done. This friendship is refreshing, where two kids on the opposite end of school popularity regrow their connection.
Liz handles her prom queen campaign from a new perspective. After conflicts with her friend, the school’s mean girl, and the school itself, Liz leans fully into who she is rather than changing herself for the crown. Again, refreshing.
How Things Wrap Up
By the end of the book, Liz grows her confidence. She’s more relaxed in appreciating her high school experience of running for prom queen. Her circle of family, friends, and school supporters also help her shine by easing pressures on her and supporting her glow.
I can 100% see this book becoming a movie in the future. It is a rom-com, so some things in the story are convenient and a little unrealistic, but I always suggest suspending a little reality when enjoying a cozy, light read like this one.
Liz’s senior year experiences brought nostalgia. I love how the author weaved imagery and emotion into classic moments like partying with friends at prom. I found myself reflecting on my own teen years of prepping for college and bonding with friends. Liz’s journey to prom queen, although started as a stressed attempt at a scholarship, became a moment of joyful celebration and self-discovery.
I’m giving this cozy rom-com 4.25 stars because it brings inclusivity and heart to a well-known genre.
