Books like You Should See Me in a Crown

A joyful, anxiety-laced, and ultimately triumphant celebration of queer Black girlhood and the courage it takes to take up space. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with You Should See Me in a Crown.

joyful
swoony
hopeful
high-school-nostalgic

01
Some Girls Do
Jennifer Dugan
A tender, emotionally charged exploration of what it costs to hide who you are, and the swoony thrill of finally being seen.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- queer joy
02
Perfect on Paper
Sophie Gonzales
A sharp, big-hearted rom-com about a know-it-all advice dispenser who has to learn how to take her own medicine.
Shares:
- hopeful
03
Cinderella Is Dead
Kalynn Bayron
A dark, defiant fairy tale where the glass slipper is a trap and the princesses are holding the matches.
Shares:
- earnest
- triumphant
04
Ophelia after All
Racquel Marie
A warm, funny, and tender exploration of what happens when the person you thought you were no longer fits the person you are becoming.
Shares:
- earnest
- warm
05
Her Royal Highness
Rachel Hawkins
A cozy, banter-filled sapphic fairy tale set against the misty backdrop of an elite Scottish boarding school.
Shares:
- swoony
- queer joy
06
The Black Flamingo
Dean Atta
A tender, rhythmic exploration of identity that blossoms into a fierce celebration of queer joy and self-expression.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- queer joy
07
The Henna wars
Adiba Jaigirdar
A spirited queer rom-com where cultural pride, family expectations, and the messy thrill of first love collide in a high school rivalry.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
08
Only mostly devastated
Sophie Gonzales
A queer reimagining of a classic summer-nights romance that balances laugh-out-loud banter with the tender ache of real-world grief.
Shares:
- swoony
- hopeful
- earnest
09
Dumplin'
Julie Murphy
A big-hearted, Dolly Parton-fueled anthem about taking up space and finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
Shares:
- warm
- triumphant
10
This Poison Heart
Kalynn Bayron
A lush, eerie exploration of deadly magic and family secrets hidden behind the gates of a poisonous garden.
Shares:
- earnest
- warm
11
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
Sara Farizan
A warm, witty exploration of the sheer panic and ultimate joy of a high school queer awakening.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- warm
12
On The Come Up
Angie Thomas
A fierce, rhythmic anthem about the power of words and the fight to be heard on your own terms.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest

Back to You Should See Me in a Crown