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58 pages 1 hour read

You Should See Me in a Crown

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Leah Johnson

You Should See Me in a Crown

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Campbell, Indiana • 2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

880L

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Super Short Summary

In You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, Liz Lighty, one of the only Black students in her predominantly white high school, fails to get a music scholarship to her dream college and decides to run for prom queen to win the accompanying cash award. With the help of her friends, Liz navigates challenges, mends and breaks friendships, and finds romance while facing down prejudice to achieve her goals.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Romantic

Humorous

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

43,689 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson has been widely praised for its heartwarming, authentic representation of Black LGBTQ+ youth. Critics commend its engaging and relatable protagonist, Liz, and the charming, inclusive story. Some felt the plot was somewhat predictable, but overall, it's seen as an empowering, refreshing read that celebrates diversity and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read You Should See Me in a Crown?

Readers who enjoy YA novels with themes of identity, belonging, and romance will appreciate Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown. Fans of Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before will find this heartwarming and empowering story especially delightful.

4.3

43,689 ratings

79%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Liz Lighty

The protagonist who is intelligent and determined, dealing with personal insecurities while navigating high school and a bid for prom queen. She describes herself as “tall, black, broke Liz Lighty” with a distinct style involving simple outfits.

Liz's fashion-savvy best friend who is attending the Fashion Institute of Technology and is deeply involved in designing outfits for Liz’s prom queen campaign.

The primary antagonist who competes with Liz academically and socially while frequently making disparaging remarks about her.

Liz's former best friend and one of the few Black students in their school, who eventually rekindles his friendship with Liz during the prom events.

A friend from Liz's circle, known for her tough demeanor and full of piercings, who supports Liz and voices concerns about systemic bias.

A spiritual friend interested in astrology and healing, who helps Liz by crafting an algorithm for the prom queen competition.

The supportive young band teacher who encourages Liz's musical pursuits and provides emotional support.

Jordan’s girlfriend and a kind figure in Liz's life who was once the favorite to win prom queen before stepping aside.

Liz's caring grandmother who becomes her guardian after her mother's passing and stays invested in their family’s well-being.

Liz's humorous and accepting grandfather who provides a stable, loving environment for her and her brother.

Liz's younger brother who motivates her to enter the prom competition and faces health challenges due to sickle cell disease.

A unique and confident new friend and potential love interest for Liz, known for her distinctive style and bold personality.

A former hematologist running a community center in Indianapolis, encouraging Liz in her goal to become a doctor.

A popular friend of Rachel's who evolves from silent complicity to actively defending Liz against bullying.

The French teacher and prom coordinator who initially seems to uphold the status quo but later stands up for fairness in the prom proceedings.

Robbie's current hematologist, known for being one of the few Black female hematologists in the state, admired by Liz.

The school principal who generally upholds the conservative norms of the school unless persuaded by other faculty members.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Campbell, Indiana • 2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

880L

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