You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson (author) (UK edition)

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.Becky Albertalli meets Jenny Han in a smart, hilarious, black girl magic, own voices rom-com by fantastic debut talent, Leah Johnson. 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?

Our October 2020 Teen Book of the Month

Finally, for our Teen October Book of the Month we have chosen You Should See Me in a Crown. This debut novel by Leah Johnson has already taken the world of YA by storm and become a global bestseller!

The story is a refreshing twist on the stereotypical American high school battle for Prom Queen – as our protagonist Liz Lighty only joins the competition after her family is refused financial aid so in order for her to attend her dream university, play in their world-famous orchestra and become a doctor is to win the scholarship money that comes with the Prom Queen crown. Although clean of any language or mature content, it still touches on really important issues, as Liz faces racism, classism and homophobia from her classmates. Nevertheless, the book is uplifting, heart-warming and will leave you crying tears of joy. And we’re not the only fans – for all these reasons and more, it’s no surprise You Should See Me in a Crown was chosen as the inaugural book for Reese Witherspoon’s YA Book Club too.

Su – Book Club Editor, Ages 7–11+

Product Details

Catalogue number

8073 in Schools Catalogue 2024–25

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9780702304323

Publisher

Scholastic

Date published

July 2nd, 2020

Accelerated Reader

AR book level: 5.9; Upper years; 12.0 points

Other details

336 pages

Condition

New

UK edition

Available in these packs

10books
Feminism Pack

eur prices

Price: €89.40

gbp prices

Price: £68.77

Author/Illustrator

Leah Johnson

Leah Johnson is a writer, editor and eternal Midwesterner, currently moonlighting as a New Yorker. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her on Twitter, ranting about pop culture and politics. You Should See Me in a Crown is her first novel.