Liz Lighty likes to stay out of the spotlight. Especially after a devastating and very public betrayal the first week of High School. She is a top student, knowing that an academic scholarship is the only way out of her rich, prom crazy, and predominantly white, small town. Liz has set her sights high, aiming for the elite Pennington College scholarship. She wants to be a hematologist after losing her mum to a blood disease.

When her plans fall apart around her she’s left reeling. How will she escape now? There is another way to get the funds she needs. But it means putting herself front and centre. It means convincing the entire school that she should be Prom Queen, above girls whose mother’s were prom queen, and they’ve spent their lives coveting the title.

If she doesn’t even try, her grandmother will work even harder than she does already, maybe even sell their house to give Liz her Pennington dream. Liz is not going to let that happen.

Digging deep for courage and with her friend’s help, Liz launches into the race for Prom court and queen. She discovers things about herself she never knew and meets Mack – new to the school and also running for the top spot. Like Liz (on clarinet), Mack is in band (on drums), and her quick wit, and quirkyness, not to mention her amazing drum skills capture Liz’s attention.

Can they be friends and rivals at the same time? Can they be more?

Set mainly in a high school setting with the usual rivalries, teen sass and spite, old friendships and new. The characterisation and voice of Liz unfolding her wings to become the person she always wanted to be, among people who appreciate who she really is, was believable and a joy to read.

The relationships that were built from scratch or mended after years passed, were authentic and touching. Like Liz herself, I didn’t expect it, but was swept up in the drama of the Prom. Great read.

Author – Leah Johnson

Age – 13+

(2020, Scholastic, High School, Prom Queen, Prom King, Popularity, Peer pressure, Competition, Scholarship, Guilt, Illness, Sickle Cell Disease, Family, Rich and Poor, Wealthy, LGBTQ+, Musicians, Band, Betrayal, Bullies, Friendship, Music, Prejudice, Racism, Secret)