You Should See Me in a Crown

Written by Leah Johnson

Narrated by Alaska Jackson

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Release date: Jun 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781338637618

Reviews for You Should See Me in a Crown

[Lydia Carr · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So many great elements! But lacking in a lot of places too, unfortunately. I was so hyped for this book, and that cover is GOALS. Look how pretty! And it's own voices! I loved the queer rep, the Black rep, the anxiety rep - but I found that the storyline felt a bit shallow, and so did the relationships. All of the secondary characters felt flat and undeveloped, and I didn't buy the Liz/Amanda romance. Maybe because I read it on audio, I don't know.

[Iris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

THIS. WAS. THE. CUTEST. THING. EVER. I laughed, I cried, I swooned . . . and wow I would do literally anything for Liz Lighty. Also I listened to this in two days, and I don't DO that, audiobooks take me weeks, even the short ones

[Maria Alice Brandão · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story is amazing and really heart warming, I highly recommend! The main character is extremely intelligent and funny, and adorable! She is black and queer, which makes the message extremely important, and she share really good points about prejudice and things in our society that should be questioned more often.

[Julia Vinyard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this book was so sweet and made me cry like an insane person everyone should read it

[Bianca Montierro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love, love, it! The narration, the plot, everything... was just so heartwarming to read. By the end, I wanted to bawl out loud because Liz Lighty deserves all the good things. This book was pure joy in a nutshell.

(Although I had to finish it on an e-reader. Why is it missing a chapter, Scribd?)

[Chloe Pope · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was so freakin adorable, I loved everything about it.

The narrator for the audiobook was amazing too!

[bianca pereira · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So cute and so beautiful. Get to know Liz was amazing and made my day. Hope to hold this feeling for a while cause I'm in need of cute love between two girls and friendship in his maximum all over the book.

[Kayla Pratt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ohhhhh! I LOVED this. It was uber cute. I love that it addressed more than form of discrimination but it didn't consume the story.

[Brogan Lane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A light, fun read about a f/f teenage relationship and friendship

[Courtney · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ahhhh!! I loved this so much!!! Honestly, one of the most beautiful books i’ve read!

[Alexandra Nae · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

THIS JUST ADDED 10 YEARS TO MY LIFETIME.

This was so good! So cute and wholesome and full of fluff. Showed the importance and beauty of friendships, of family, of young love. There are also great character developments, especially the main character's. And this was also so damn relatable! Honestly, this book is just perfect. Kudos to the author, and of course, the narrator (who did a pretty great job!)!

[Shannon Dyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is exactly the kind of book I would’ve wanted to read as a teenager. It’s serious without being depressing, humorous without being over-the-top or silly, and so incredibly poignant! Whether you are a young adult or not, please pick this up at your earliest convenience.

[Yna Gabrinao · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I've read this year! Gave me such a warm happy feeling at the end.

[Ana Marques · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was very cute and a great queer story.
I would recommend

[Ekene Ogbue · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the literal definition of sugar, spice, and everything nice. This was such a good read

[Megan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great characters with a refreshingly realistic portrayal of living with anxiety and panic. I enjoyed reading a traditional high school/prom queen/rom com story with a black, queer, and updated twist.

[Jane · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Boring. Nothing special, interesting or original. I don't recommend. Waste of time. Nevertheless the narrator did a great job - this is the only plus of this audiobook.

[David Maxell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book so much! Such a great read!

[Yessenia Arenas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The most beautiful story I have read so far this year!!! I would highly recommend anyone to read this book!!!

[hailey soliz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The romance! The friendships, the empowerment! So cute would read again!

[Amy Sutherland · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a breathtaking and heart warming book!! I loved it from start to finish!

[Maria P · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So fucking CUTEEEEEEEEEE. All the stereotypes but gay and 500383838x better

[Nuclear Caribou · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was masterfully done. This book was so elegant and wholesome. The author manages to talk about serious topics in a way that blends with the story. The characters feel real and their development is really interesting. I really loved it so much. I'm sad it is over now.

[Anne Marie Maraj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

the book clearly depicts that dreams can come through no matter what is happening inside of you or around you. All in all a good book.

[Maggie Taylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So good!!!!!! I loved every single bit of it!!! Outstanding

[Katie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Adorable, smart, and so relevant. I loved it and would recommend!

[Starece Westheimer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story, writing and characters. Great read for all ages.

[Anna · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

TW: queerphobia. I haven't seen anyone post about it so it threw me off at first but it's felt with so well. Also, just an absolutely perfect YA contemporary

[Nas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a really cute fast-paced book that still gave you the satisfaction of a slower burn. I’m all for a poc sapphic story but I really loved how this one included the struggles of sickle cell disease. I’m so glad I finally took this off my tbr and read it!

[Jade Rebecca · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved everything about this. Liz ? ? ? I adored Jordan’s character too.