A review by barnesbookshelf
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

5.0

I've read a LOT of YA novels, and a lot of them have very similar plots. The main character is a high school senior who's been mostly a wall-flower throughout their high school career with the exception of maybe one or two special hobbies or classes. They (usually a she, if I'm being honest) are forced out of their comfort zone in order to do something that will help them secure their future, often times a way out of their small town. I've even read YA books where that "something" is a competition, complete with winning a crown! And there's nothing wrong with a standard YA plot. As anyone who's been forced to study literature knows, all stories are the same story. That said, I'm not sure I loved any of those other standard plot YA novels as much as this book. Leah Johnson takes this very standard plot and keeps it fresh and funny. I love the addition of the Campbell Confidential and how that adds a better look at how being a young adult nowadays truly is. I love being able to watch Liz grow out of her shell and realize who she is and wants to be. The romance in the story is super adorable, and I love

Spoiler

that Liz and Jordan are able to make amends

. I truly feel that a lesser writer would've taken Johnson's concept and made it "okay" while Johnson knocked it out of the park. I can't wait to read more from her in the future!