First off, I love the cover. That's what really drew me in 😍. Pretty Girl County is a book that centers around fashion, looks & status, rekindling friendships, and how moving up in life doesn't always mean "better".

I liked how this is told in multiple POVs. You get Reya, whose lifestyle has drastically changed due to her mom's career & TV status. She has it all, it seems. And Sommer, whose father owns the town's local bookstore who works hard & wishes for much.

Bring in the cliché high school cliques & drama, a bit of romance, and every high school senior's biggest life changing choice: college.

I liked how there's a hometown feel to the story with the local bookstore being the heart of Sommer's neighborhood. The love of fashion for both Reya & Sommer and how that rekindles their childhood friendship stood out for me!

I did find Reya's mom SO dramatic & immature, even after her faults with Sommer. She was worse than a high-schooler!! 🙃

Middle/high school me would've eaten this up. I do wish there was a little more to the plot & more insight given with all of the relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley & Viking Books for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the advanced reading copy.

This book caught my attention when I saw it was set in PG County. As a Maryland native, this was big for me because I rarely see my home state represented in stories. I loved the inclusion of DMV lingo and Maryland landmarks throughout this story. Specifically, the light shone on HBCUs.

While reading this, I had a very interesting experience that's hard to explain. While I could follow along with what was going on, at the same time, it felt like it was all over the place, and things were happening so fast. There seemed to be some type of disconnect between me and this story, possibly because I'm not the target audience.

Regarding the characters, I liked Sommer, but she was too hard on herself at times. Sometimes, I feel she let people gaslight her into believing she was the bad guy when, most of the time, she really wasn't. On the other hand, I didn't care for Reya. She was annoying, and her storyline was a bit too repetitive. She and her actions became stale very quickly. As a result, she didn't get any redemption from me by the end of the story. I was disappointed in her lack of character development.

The storyline for Reya's mom confused me, specifically with the pop culture reference to a popular reality TV show. I just didn't feel it was needed, and couldn't understand its purpose.

Sommer and Reya's friendship provided many points for reflection. One being that it's okay to outgrow people, and sometimes, individuals are only meant to be in your life for a season. The main takeaway I got from this story is that while it's okay to want bigger and better for yourself, don't forget where you came from.

Overall:
This was just okay for me. I didn't hate it, but I also didn't love it.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. For the right audience this book will be great! I normally really enjoy YA books but the characters in this book drove me crazy I found them to be annoying and self absorbed I just couldn’t make myself finish it. I got 20% through the book but just can’t make myself finish it, I was constantly cringing and putting the book down. Maybe if I could have pushed through I would have liked it. It seems like a lot of other people enjoy it so maybe I will come back to it another day and try again.

A lot of this book was like coming home. As someone who spent several years growing up in PG County as a kid and then the rest in MoCo, seeing how much Wilson loves the DMV gave me the warmest of warm fuzzies. Leaping into and learning about the Black experience in those counties was eye-opening, and I appreciate the opportunity to see it through the author’s words.

The themes of community, family, and friendship are strong here and well-represented. Loving your home and where you came from can sometimes require a conscious effort, and this was so well demonstrated by multiple characters in this story.

Since this is YA, it makes sense that it reads that way. The writing is good but sometimes a little too straightforward, and some of the character behaviors and motivations (which change throughout the book) felt a bit rushed. The again, they’re mostly teenagers - perhaps it’s on brand.

I think this is a great story for anyone who wants to read about community and friendship, especially mending fractured relationships.

4.25⭐️ This was a fast paced delightful read. There was so much that was wrapped up in this YA book that tackles friendship, societal differences, class, wealth and romance without making the prose heavy.

This is a duel POV with 2 strong black FMC’s , Sommer and Reya, who grew up in a poorer section of their county. That is until Reya and her mother “moved up” and is now living a life that financially is a lot more well off.

I enjoyed Sommers perspective in particular as she desire with the stresses of senior year of high school along with family stresses.

This book is going to be one that many teen girls can look up to as well as identify with! It comes out July 1, 2025 making a perfect book for summer reading.

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Viking Books for Young Readers through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

I absolutely loved this YA book. Being a 50ish "Pretty girl county" native myself, this book took me back to my childhood. From leaving the "less than" Capitol Heights to the "more than" Fort Washington, I saw myself in Reya. Being misunderstood by friends and neighbors. Losing and finding yourself and your friends again. This book helped Reya and Sommer find their voices and authentic selves. It's letting young adults know it's okay to want and reach for me. I would have loved to see more of the of blossoming relationship with Sommer and Tate, but this is definitely one for my bookshelf. A huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.

This is a good read for young adults. It took me a little while to get through this book as there really wasn’t a plot however, the story focused more on friendships, relationships, forgiveness, and community which is very important especially among the younger generation.

This story takes place in Prince George County, Maryland, aka “Pretty Girl County” where Reya & Sommer used to be BFF’s. The two girls grew up together and lived next door to each other. When Reya’s mother became a cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac, they left Seat Pleasant and moved to “bougie” Bowie and that’s when Reya & Sommer’s relationship grew apart. Although both girls attended the same high school, they avoided speaking to each other.

The book goes on to tell the story of how both girls reconnected because they needed each other. It seems like Reya has it all; she drives an expensive car, lives in a beautiful home, wears designer clothes, and hangs out with her other rich friends who Sommer nicknamed “The Brat Pack.” Reya’s dream is to attend FIT however, she got wait-listed. Sommer on the other hand still resides in Seat Pleasant with her parents where many of those residents don’t drive around in fancy cars. Sommer’s dad owns a bookstore in the neighborhood called “The Grand Rising” where Sommer works to save money to contribute to her college fund; Sommer’s dream is to attend Spelman College in Georgia.

Reya needs Sommer to help her with a fashion show she is putting together and she is willing to offer Sommer money for her help; this is an offer Sommer cannot refuse. Things take a turn when the bookstore that Sommer dad owns is at risk of closing. Reya and a neighborhood friend, Octavius, try to come up with ideas to keep the bookstore from closing, but old issues between Reya and Sommer start to revisit and Sommer is starting to think that Reya has not changed.

I really liked how the author explored the lifestyles of both girls and how it affected their friendship but in the end it all came together. I definitely feel that a lot of young adults could relate to this book. I gave this book four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and would recommend reading it. I received an ARC of this book that was provided through NetGalley.

I love YA and also always wondered what it would have been like to grow up in the DMV (I'm a Midwest girl). Reya and Sommer’s journey feels fresh and funny but also layered with honest stakes around friendship, class, and ambition. A smart, stylish read that celebrates growth, second chances, and staying grounded while reaching for more.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson is a fierce and emotionally layered exploration of girlhood, justice, and identity in a world that often refuses to see Black girls clearly. Wilson’s prose is sharp and heartfelt, drawing readers into a story that is both timely and timeless. This book doesn’t flinch—and it doesn’t let you look away either. A must-read for fans of powerful YA that speaks truth with every page.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged and it only took a few days to read. I think this is going to be a good book club option for several clubs. I plan recommending to my book friends and I look forward to reading more by this author.

This is a fun ya read I really like it and will recommend to young teens!! I’m picky when it comes to ya but this was a great read

I enjoyed this book so much, especially living in the DMV! It does a great job and describing PG County and the wealth disparities. I appreciated her showing how Reya was taught by her mother to be afraid of where she came from. Reya was challenged by Sommer to think about that mindset. This book explores slight topics of gentrification. Neighborhood differences within the same state, the bookstore being a community safety hub for neighborhoods overlooked by states and the importance of keeping such businesses around I enjoyed Sommer's inner conflict of feeling not good enough for Reya's new life and friends, but also knowing that Reya used to share the same dreams just like her growing up. Great exploration of growing up and losing and regaining friends and dealing with conflicts, perfect YA gem. Without the violence, this book gives me the same feels as” The Hate U Give” to me. Best of all. I now have new recommended books to read. Since Sommer and Reya mentioned many classics along the way!

This was a heartfelt story about self-discovery, family, and chasing your dreams; even when the road isn’t always easy. This story is a good YA story about rekindling friendships, convincing two friend groups and some self-discovery along the way. Would be perfect for high schoolers!

I love a good friendship themed book! This one did not disappoint!
I like the alternating POVs
I like that we see how the school changed both girls and how it is easy to get caught up

loved the growth and the side characters

I really enjoyed this book’
It took a few different turns for me and didn’t end how I anticipated which I loved.

Oh, Gorgeous Prince George’s… I absolutely loved everything about this read. As a “Pretty Girl County” native, and former BSU student, being able to literally envision every scene, hear the accent in my head and assign a personal friend or family member to every character was phenomenal. The most affluent black community in the nation, PG County is the epitome of the “come up” from the projects to the mansions there’s a pride and energy that’s unmatched. Maryland in general is known for being abundantly proud and this community is no different - every neighborhood is boldly and proudly recognized. I have so many memories and have seen so much growth in PG. I scream my pretty girl county relationship - loud and proud. Can’t wait to grab my teen a copy of this, there’s a special reminder that your location doesn’t determine your destiny…and as she embarks on her senior year, I want her to remember the sky’s the limit and she too is destined for greatness.

Amazing book!!! Represented black people in a positive and informative light. The author did a great job weaving this story and I loved Octavius. Thank you NetGalley for the early ARC! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

this was a really nice easy read. the whole story was really heartwarming and i believe the characters are quite well written. one of the main characters was really really annoying for most of the book but i believe that was the point and that point was proven perfectly. said character redeemds herself in the end though to imprve herself and her craft in a really meaningful way with the help of those around her

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson is a heartfelt and powerful story about self-discovery, family, and chasing your dreams—even when the road isn’t easy. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the world of cousins Cameron, Tasha, and Nia as they navigate a summer in Kentucky that changes everything.

Wilson does an incredible job crafting complex, relatable characters. Cameron’s journey, in particular, is so raw and real—her love for music, her struggles with identity, and her desire to break free from expectations all felt so genuine. The family dynamics in this book are layered, messy, and deeply emotional in a way that makes them feel like people you actually know. And the Southern setting? Absolutely perfect. It adds so much depth to the story, grounding it in a sense of place that feels alive.

What I loved most about Pretty Girl County was how it explored the tension between wanting to honor where you come from while also daring to dream beyond it. It’s a story about music, ambition, and the unbreakable bonds of family—full of moments that made me laugh, tear up, and root for these girls every step of the way.

Lakita Wilson has crafted a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. If you love books about family, identity, and fighting for what you believe in, this one is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend!

This was such a well written feel-good YA read! The story flow was great, starting with the point of view of Sommer. Both Reya and Sommer have their faults & qualities and discover they need to learn how to work through their differences in order to make a difference in the world.

Reya is the rich girl who used to be poor and sometimes forgets it. She is a bit judgmental (although she doesn't think she is) and forgets that words can hurt people. She has a good relationship with her mom and her peers (except for Sommer).

Sommer is the medium class girl who loves life and works her butt off to get into her dream college. She helps her parents a lot while working in their family-owned bookstore. She is very easing going and respectful.

Both Reya and Sommer had a fall out and have not spoken to each other for a few years. The re-kindling of their friendship starts as a transaction, but at the end of the story, they learn that they still love and need each other. They bring out the best in each other. They both work a lot to achieve their goals, and when one wants to quit, the other gives encouragement.

I really liked this story. I liked the mix of their love interests and the funny events that happened to Sommer all throughout. I would buy this book for my teen daughter.

This is a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ !!!

Thank you to Penguin Group/Viking Books/Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review