Book cover of You Should See Me in a Crown

Book description

Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed mid-western town. But it's okay-Liz has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor.But…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

4 authors picked You Should See Me in a Crown as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

You Should See Me in a Crown is such a cute sapphic romance story, set around the fact that both the main character, Liz, and her love interest/new girl, Mack, are both running for homecoming queen to win a scholarship.

This book was a breath of fresh air because there were also real problems and insecurities brought up that sometimes are overlooked, making it the characters seem so real. 

When Liz Lighty’s financial aid for college falls through, she agrees to compete for her school’s scholarship prize.

It’s awarded to the prom king and queen. I think calling this a rom-com might be a bit of a stretch since the love story is more of a subplot to the competition, but Liz and Mack’s cute moments together were a highlight of the book.

Not to mention, there were more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.

From Sarah's list on YA rom-com to make you laugh.

You Should See Me in a Crown is a book that showed me how intersectionality impacts everything, even over-achieving. Liz Lightly, a Black lesbian from a poor family, faces more hurdles than my character, Alison, who has grown up in a middle-class neighbourhood. Alison works hard, but she doesn’t have as much on the line as Liz. Still, I think they’d be good friends if they met. The world may not be the meritocracy we want it to be, but when a character works as hard as Liz does, you want them to succeed.

From Dani's list on for over-achievers.

If you love You Should See Me in a Crown...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

This book has one of my favorite romances in recent memory. Liz and Mack have amazing chemistry and I looked forward to their interactions. Oh, man, and the ending of this book? My serotonin levels skyrocketed. I hope Hollywood makes this into a film because it has so many fantastic cinematic moments. Liz Lighty is a character you really root for. This book is a delight! 

If you love You Should See Me in a Crown...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Want books like You Should See Me in a Crown?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like You Should See Me in a Crown.

Browse books like You Should See Me in a Crown

Book cover of Anne of Green Gables
Book cover of Little Women
Book cover of Bossypants

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like You Should See Me in a Crown, you might also like...

Book cover of Murder, Lies and Chocolate

Murder, Lies and Chocolate by Sally Berneathy,

Book 2, Death by Chocolate series.

Rodney Bradford comes into Lindsay's restaurant, offers to buy her small house for double its value, eats her brownies, and drops dead on the sidewalk in front. Next, her almost-ex-husband offers to sign the divorce papers, but only if she'll give him her small,…

Book cover of Tangle of Time

Tangle of Time by Maureen Thorpe,

A spellbinding journey through time and cultures.

When Annie Thornton, midwife and apprentice witch, falls through time to a 15th-century Yorkshire village with her telepathic cat, Rosamund, she befriends Will and Jack, two soldiers returning from the French Wars. Mistress Meg, Annie’s ancestral aunt living in the 15th century, is…

5 book lists we think you will like!