Book Summary
“You Should See Me in a Crown” is a delightful and heartwarming coming-of-age story centered around Liz Lighty, a Black queer teenager from a small midwestern town. Liz has big dreams – she is determined to escape her small town, attend a prestigious college, and play in their world-famous orchestra. But when her financial aid falls through, she is forced to rethink her carefully laid plans. In her conservative and predominantly white town, the Prom Queen scholarship is her unexpected and reluctant hope. But winning it in Campbell County, Indiana, involves embarking on a very public campaign, battling against nasty competitors, and surviving the high school’s outrageous and old-fashioned traditions. As someone who prefers staying under the radar, Liz is apprehensive about the competition. But her ambition to attend college and get away from her small town drives her into the exhausting and complicated prom court politics. She’s also dealing with personal issues—her mother’s death, her brother’s sickle cell disease, and her own anxiety. However, amid the chaos, Liz finds an unexpected romance with Mack, a new student and one of her competitors. Mack, who is also queer, is the only one who seems to understand Liz. As the two girls fall for each other, they must navigate their relationship in the midst of the competition and the prejudice of their town. “You Should See Me in a Crown” is a tender exploration of the trials and tribulations of adolescence, dealing with themes of identity, love, friendship, and the courage to be oneself.
Author Intro
Leah Johnson
Leah Johnson is an up-and-coming author, educator, and editor. With her distinctive voice, she is quickly carving a space for herself within the YA literary scene. Johnson, who is a Black queer woman herself, writes stories about the intersection of race, romance, and adolescence, providing much-needed representation in these areas. Her debut novel, “You Should See Me in a Crown,” has been highly acclaimed and has earned her a place on many must-read lists.
Book Reviews
Leah Johnson’s “You Should See Me in a Crown” is a breath of fresh air. The novel brilliantly captures the highs and lows of high school life with a charming and relatable protagonist. Liz Lighty’s story is a compelling exploration of love, identity, and the courage to be oneself. Johnson’s writing is witty and vibrant, creating a vivid picture of Liz’s world. Her take on high school politics, especially around the tradition of prom, is nuanced and insightful. The way the narrative navigates the complexities of queer Black identity is worth noting. This is an exceptional debut that leaves a lasting impression.
Leah Johnson’s debut novel, “You Should See Me in a Crown,” is an engaging and timely exploration of identity, love, and ambition. While the book treads familiar ground in the young adult genre, it shines in its depiction of Liz’s struggles and her determination to rise above them. Johnson successfully portrays the pressures of adolescence, especially the desire for acceptance. However, some plot points feel conveniently resolved, and the pacing could use some improvement. Nevertheless, the novel’s strength lies in its strong characterizations and the authentic portrayal of the queer experience in a conservative town.
“You Should See Me in a Crown” presents a touching story about a young girl’s struggle with her identity and ambition. Johnson’s prose is easy and engaging, and the character of Liz Lighty is authentic and relatable. The romance between Liz and Mack is charming and heartfelt. However, the book seems to falter in its plot development. The competition for the scholarship, which should be the book’s central tension, often feels underdeveloped and overshadowed by the romance. While the exploration of identity and representation is commendable, the narrative could have benefitted from a more focused approach to storytelling.
Johnson’s “You Should See Me in a Crown” offers a fresh perspective in young adult literature with its exploration of queer and Black identities. The character of Liz is endearing, and her struggles resonate. However, the story seems to struggle with balance, attempting to tackle too many themes at once—grief, identity, racism, homophobia, and more. This leaves some areas feeling underexplored and superficial. Additionally, the resolution of many conflicts feels too easy and lacks the depth the build-up promises. While it’s an important book for representation, the execution falls a bit short of its potential.
