Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
#ya
Publishing date 7/1/2025
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I don't usually move books up months on my reading roster. But I figured I might as well since its #blackhistorymonth and I already had this Black author's book about classism ready to go.

This book is told in 2 POVs. Sommer and her one time next door neighbor and former BFF, Reya. Sommer feels left behind bc Reya has moved into a rich neighborhood and has gained new, rich friends. She really has been left behind. But can their relationship be mended? Maybe.

There's a little angst and a little romance for each girl. They are 2 months from high school graduation and are both trying to figure out how their next year is going to go. Do they need each other's help to succeed? Of course they do.

Enjoyable book. Easy reading. I'd definitely try another book by this author.

#penguinyoungreadersgroup
#prettygirlcounty #lakitawilson

When I first heard of Pretty Girl County, I was excited for a light read full of teenage angst and DMV culture. However, what I found was that and much more. Lakita Wilson explores interpersonal relationships, gentrification, classism/elitism, dream chasing, and... reality tv personas. Each page of the book served as a point of reflection as I negotiated the choices I made leaving home for college. I am truly glad that this book is almost out to the world.

Great book! I loved the plots of estranged best friends, class issues, and a little bit of love sprinkled in! One of the two relationships felt a little too easy, but with complicated parent relations and friendships, it’s fair to make something easy

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book except that it was young adult. It’s kind of a coming of age story with 2 former friends Reya and Sommer. Reya and her Mom move out of the neighborhood that she and Sommer lived in and their friendship fell apart. Now Reya has money and is at first very shallow and money focused and wants to go to fashion school no matter what. Sommer wants to go to Spelman and works at her Dad’s bookstore.

They find their way back to each other and their friendship is re-established. There were other events that happened in this book that only made it better I liked how they both evolved to be better people and friends. Enjoyed this book and I would read this author again.

𐙚 Coming of Age
𐙚 Self Discovery
𐙚 Rich Girl/ Poor Girl Dynamic

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson is a dazzling and heartfelt YA story of friendship, ambition, and second chances. Reya and Sommer, once inseparable, now live in two different worlds—one of privilege, the other of hustle. When circumstances force them to team up, their complicated history resurfaces, testing their trust and pushing them to grow. Wilson’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of charm, capturing the essence of PG County with authenticity.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰/5

Thank you for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ・❥・

After earning my teaching degree, I moved to PG County, MD to start my first teaching job. PG County has always had a special place in my heart, so when I saw Lakota Wilson post about Pretty Girl County on Threads, I immediately added it to my miles-long TBR list. Flash forward a few months and I was able to read an advanced copy thanks to NetGalley and Penguin! I loved everything about this book. The STEAM themes, character development, and important social issues kept me engaged from beginning to end. This book is important for many reasons and I can’t wait to see it hit the shelves! 📚