A review by kimnlove56
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Of all the YA books I've read over the past few years, none more resemble the archetypical teen movie that crescendos with the ever-important prom scene. All the set pieces are there — choreographed dance numbers, meet-cutes, the cattiest of villains and most unexpected of allies, diverse energies personified as a quirky cast of friends, officiously blustery school administrators, even hints at what a soundtrack might be. No punches are pulled here. But all in the best possible way. It's a fun and engaging story, grounded with the challenges that you might expect a story with a black, queer protagonist in a largely-unenlightened midwest suburb to tackle. The dialog and narration are quippy and fun. It's a fairly light and empowering story, where it could have been self-serious. Supporting characters are more fun than relatable, the heroes are maybe more aspirational than believable, but it's the sort of story where you want to cheer for the protagonists, not necessarily use as a catalyst for self-realization. I was thinking 3.5 stars, but no, this is a solid 4.