Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern 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 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 Pennington.
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?
Topics African Americans. Proms. Competition (psychology). Identity (psychology). Brothers and sisters. Grandparents. Friendship. High schools. Lesbians. LGBTQ. Romance.
Lexile 880L
Trim Size 8 3/10" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2020-06-01
JLG Release Date Sep 2020
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Young Adult Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
Young Adult Plus
Young Adult Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
Why stop at just a few? With this collection, you can double the literary rewards for young adult readers, ensuring a steady stream of fresh and compelling books each year. These selections provide a balance of humor, realism, and deep narratives that resonate with teen readers.