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Pretty Girl County
A KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
"Irresistibly fun and authentic, Pretty Girl County is a luminous showcase of community, friendship, love in all its complexities, and the ways we blaze our own paths. A sparkling, must-read delight!"—Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You
The glitz of Gossip Girl meets the hustle of Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown in this charming and hilarious story of ex-BFFs from PG County, Maryland, perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Elise Bryant.
Girls like Reya Samuels always come from Prince George’s County. Reya is rich and she’s not afraid to show it—she wears designer clothes, drives a custom pink Audi, and lives in a neighborhood tucked behind a fancy cast iron gate. She works hard, but she can get anything she wants with a snap.
Sommer Watkins is from Seat Pleasant, where the cast iron gates are significantly smaller—and attached to the windows, where most folks are still trying to make ends meet. Every day for Sommer is a hustle, working at her dad’s bookstore, and using her art skills to scrounge up enough scholarship money for her dream school, Spelman.
Reya and Sommer used to be BFFs—back when Reya lived in Seat Pleasant, too. Now the girls are from different stratospheres—but when Reya desperately needs help to prove to FIT admissions officers that she has what it takes to make it in fashion, the only person who can help is Sommer. Reya promises to help Sommer in return—she’ll pay her for her services, helping Sommer afford the school her parents can’t.
As the girls work together, slowly they begin to trust each other again. But when new relationships push them both, and Sommer’s dad’s bookstore is suddenly in danger of closing, old wounds bubble up. Can the girls find a way to repair their friendship and stay true to themselves along the way?
"Irresistibly fun and authentic, Pretty Girl County is a luminous showcase of community, friendship, love in all its complexities, and the ways we blaze our own paths. A sparkling, must-read delight!"—Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You
The glitz of Gossip Girl meets the hustle of Leah Johnson's You Should See Me in a Crown in this charming and hilarious story of ex-BFFs from PG County, Maryland, perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Elise Bryant.
Girls like Reya Samuels always come from Prince George’s County. Reya is rich and she’s not afraid to show it—she wears designer clothes, drives a custom pink Audi, and lives in a neighborhood tucked behind a fancy cast iron gate. She works hard, but she can get anything she wants with a snap.
Sommer Watkins is from Seat Pleasant, where the cast iron gates are significantly smaller—and attached to the windows, where most folks are still trying to make ends meet. Every day for Sommer is a hustle, working at her dad’s bookstore, and using her art skills to scrounge up enough scholarship money for her dream school, Spelman.
Reya and Sommer used to be BFFs—back when Reya lived in Seat Pleasant, too. Now the girls are from different stratospheres—but when Reya desperately needs help to prove to FIT admissions officers that she has what it takes to make it in fashion, the only person who can help is Sommer. Reya promises to help Sommer in return—she’ll pay her for her services, helping Sommer afford the school her parents can’t.
As the girls work together, slowly they begin to trust each other again. But when new relationships push them both, and Sommer’s dad’s bookstore is suddenly in danger of closing, old wounds bubble up. Can the girls find a way to repair their friendship and stay true to themselves along the way?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
33 people are currently reading
5765 people want to read
About the author
Lakita Wilson
18 books123 followersLakita Wilson is the author of several novels and nonfiction projects for children and young adults, including What is Black Lives Matter? and Who is Colin Kaepernick? part of the New York Times bestselling Who HQ Now series, the middle grade novel Be Real, Macy Weaver, and the young adult novel Last Chance Dance.
A 2017 recipient of SCBWI's Emerging Voices Award, Lakita received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Lakita lives in Prince George's County, Maryland.. She can be found online at lakitawilson.com
A 2017 recipient of SCBWI's Emerging Voices Award, Lakita received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Lakita lives in Prince George's County, Maryland.. She can be found online at lakitawilson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 28, 2025
Aw man, Lakita did the damn thing with this one!
Pretty Girl County was one of my most anticipated releases for the year; however, it took me a while to actually get my hands on it. Fortunately, it did not disappoint. Though I've only read one of Wilson's works, I'm excited to explore her backlist and read whatever she puts out in the future. This book is great for fans of Joya Goffney, Elise Bryant, Tia Williams, and Arriel Vinson. Not only does Wilson balance intricate character development with beautiful pacing of the plot, but she also weaves in social community about wealth disparity and the stereotypes often placed on lower income communities. She creates emotionally tense, but seemingly beautiful moments between Reya and Sommer as they navigate the intricacies of their friendship as well as the ups and downs of their communities. This novel was written with so much love and care for PG County as well as Black authors. Though each character experiences a romance of sort, it fit within the framework of the story and didn't feel as though it was added for the sake of being added. This is the type of realistic fiction book that I love to read and recommend to teens. It feels like it's something that is true to their experience. It's a book that I would actively recommend to Black teens who need to see healthy, accurate representations of themselves in literature. I highly recommend checking this one out if it wasn't already on your radar. It's definitely on my top books of 2025.
Pretty Girl County was one of my most anticipated releases for the year; however, it took me a while to actually get my hands on it. Fortunately, it did not disappoint. Though I've only read one of Wilson's works, I'm excited to explore her backlist and read whatever she puts out in the future. This book is great for fans of Joya Goffney, Elise Bryant, Tia Williams, and Arriel Vinson. Not only does Wilson balance intricate character development with beautiful pacing of the plot, but she also weaves in social community about wealth disparity and the stereotypes often placed on lower income communities. She creates emotionally tense, but seemingly beautiful moments between Reya and Sommer as they navigate the intricacies of their friendship as well as the ups and downs of their communities. This novel was written with so much love and care for PG County as well as Black authors. Though each character experiences a romance of sort, it fit within the framework of the story and didn't feel as though it was added for the sake of being added. This is the type of realistic fiction book that I love to read and recommend to teens. It feels like it's something that is true to their experience. It's a book that I would actively recommend to Black teens who need to see healthy, accurate representations of themselves in literature. I highly recommend checking this one out if it wasn't already on your radar. It's definitely on my top books of 2025.
February 23, 2025
This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.
While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.
Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.
COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.
While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!
While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.
Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.
COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.
While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!
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July 6, 2025Really enjoyed the writing in this YA, centering around two girls whose friendship is nearly shipwrecked by one family becoming wealthy, with all that entails. The best part of the book was Reya and Sommer, the girls, and the arc of their relationship; outside of them there was (for me) some unevenness that bordered on melodrama, but on the other hand, Wilson has a sure touch with what is likely to draw her target readership.
July 22, 2025
Pretty Girl County follows Reya Samuels and Sommer Watkins, two childhood besties turned strangers, trying to rebuild their friendship during senior year. Reya’s that girl. She’s rich, fashionable, and basically PG royalty. Sommer is the artistic underdog from Seat Pleasant, working at her dad’s bookstore and grinding to go to Spelman scholarship. And when they cross paths again, they decide to help each achieve their goals and go to the college of their dreams.
Reya had me side eyeing her most of the book tbh. I wouldn’t be her friend either 🤷🏽♀️ But her vulnerability peeked through in some good ways I guess. And Sommer’s love triangle had me blushing. I was team Octavius from jump 🫶🏽 And my favorite part had to be them touring Bowie State 🥰 That was exactly how I felt visiting it for the first time too
We also had the absolute pleasure of talking to Lakita Wilson about this book and her creative process, and it made me appreciate the story even more. She really captured the messy, funny, and heartfelt sides of Black girl friendships. If you love stories about messy teens, hard conversations, and second chances, this is one to add to your list.
Reya had me side eyeing her most of the book tbh. I wouldn’t be her friend either 🤷🏽♀️ But her vulnerability peeked through in some good ways I guess. And Sommer’s love triangle had me blushing. I was team Octavius from jump 🫶🏽 And my favorite part had to be them touring Bowie State 🥰 That was exactly how I felt visiting it for the first time too
We also had the absolute pleasure of talking to Lakita Wilson about this book and her creative process, and it made me appreciate the story even more. She really captured the messy, funny, and heartfelt sides of Black girl friendships. If you love stories about messy teens, hard conversations, and second chances, this is one to add to your list.
May 27, 2025
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.❤️
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.❤️
November 11, 2025
one of my new favorite YA books! growing up only an hour away from where the book takes place, it was so fun to learn more about PG county and their culture. I was able to understand some references, which made me enjoy it more than the average person. I also loved the writing in this, plus there were so many mentions of great books/authors since one of the main character’s dad owns a bookstore. Of course some of the characters were annoying, but I really enjoyed the way everything came together in the end. 💗
March 5, 2025
If you need a good YA book based on rekindling friendships, combining two separate friend groups and self-discovery among the two FMC for themselves and together as friends, this is the book. This would be a perfect coming of age book for middle schoolers and high schoolers, this is set for 17-18 years old in high school. I absolutely loved this book. Sommer and Reya rekindling their friendship and addressing the hard stuff. Finding love and how to navigate through communication and understanding for different socioeconomic backgrounds. Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers and Lakita Wilson for this ARC read. I wish you nothing but success for this release.
July 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ FOR GORGEOUS PRINCE GEORGE’S !
First, tysm to Lakita Wilson & Penguin Teen for the ARC copy to review! 🥰
I always brag about where I’m from because they’re arent many counties in the US like mine; a predominantly Black melting pot. As one of the wealthiest Black counties in the country, PG County is just THAT girl and you can’t convince me otherwise.
Lakita Wilson did an AMAZING job of capturing the nuances of PG—from Seat Pleasant to Woodmore to the lil beefs at Six Flags (RIP 😭) as only a true PG baby could. This was truly a love letter to the county that raised us! I can’t even count how many times I laughed at some DMV lingo I haven’t heard in YEARS.
Sommer & Reya’s friendship needing fixing & it took a fashion show to do so. I loved that Sommer was constantly bringing Reya back down from the clouds cus miss girl forgot where she came from. I was rooting for Octavius ngl; Bowie Banits obvi did a number on me in high school LMAO. Overall, I loved loved LOVED this book. It reminded me that building community and making a difference where you’re from is the most important thing sometimes. 🤍
First, tysm to Lakita Wilson & Penguin Teen for the ARC copy to review! 🥰
I always brag about where I’m from because they’re arent many counties in the US like mine; a predominantly Black melting pot. As one of the wealthiest Black counties in the country, PG County is just THAT girl and you can’t convince me otherwise.
Lakita Wilson did an AMAZING job of capturing the nuances of PG—from Seat Pleasant to Woodmore to the lil beefs at Six Flags (RIP 😭) as only a true PG baby could. This was truly a love letter to the county that raised us! I can’t even count how many times I laughed at some DMV lingo I haven’t heard in YEARS.
Sommer & Reya’s friendship needing fixing & it took a fashion show to do so. I loved that Sommer was constantly bringing Reya back down from the clouds cus miss girl forgot where she came from. I was rooting for Octavius ngl; Bowie Banits obvi did a number on me in high school LMAO. Overall, I loved loved LOVED this book. It reminded me that building community and making a difference where you’re from is the most important thing sometimes. 🤍
March 31, 2025
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review.
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.
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.
June 1, 2025
4 Stars
I really liked this book. YA loves a good romance. YA loves a good issue book, the type of book to deal with heavy, heavy topics. And this book, well, this book is neither of those things. It's a story about friendship (or re-finding friendship). It's a book that tackles issues of class, of race, of inequity but without being heavy, bogged down and depressing. And I loved that about it. Is the writing here prosaic? Not really. But it doesn't need to be to be a good, solid read.
Anyway, I've got more to say, but I'm saving that all for my full review, available August 1, 2025 at Gateway Reviews. Swing by if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
I really liked this book. YA loves a good romance. YA loves a good issue book, the type of book to deal with heavy, heavy topics. And this book, well, this book is neither of those things. It's a story about friendship (or re-finding friendship). It's a book that tackles issues of class, of race, of inequity but without being heavy, bogged down and depressing. And I loved that about it. Is the writing here prosaic? Not really. But it doesn't need to be to be a good, solid read.
Anyway, I've got more to say, but I'm saving that all for my full review, available August 1, 2025 at Gateway Reviews. Swing by if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
June 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🎧Song Pairing: Schoolin’ Life - Beyoncé
💭What I thought would happen:
This cover gives me nothing except “so high school” but the colours are so pretty!
📖What actually happens:
🩷Young adult
💜Black rep
🏳️🌈Lesbian rep
🎓Graduating
👗Fashion design
🩵Friendship
🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:
A totally fun little YA! However, nothing overly memorable 🥺
I liked the issues addressed - especially when success and wealth finds someone a life lesson is that people from your past get left behind (and determining if this is true or is it worth bringing your old friends up with your success)
Definitely worth checking out! The audio is a rockin good time! Xx
Nothing funny to add at all 🙈
🎧Song Pairing: Schoolin’ Life - Beyoncé
💭What I thought would happen:
This cover gives me nothing except “so high school” but the colours are so pretty!
📖What actually happens:
🩷Young adult
💜Black rep
🏳️🌈Lesbian rep
🎓Graduating
👗Fashion design
🩵Friendship
🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:
A totally fun little YA! However, nothing overly memorable 🥺
I liked the issues addressed - especially when success and wealth finds someone a life lesson is that people from your past get left behind (and determining if this is true or is it worth bringing your old friends up with your success)
Definitely worth checking out! The audio is a rockin good time! Xx
Nothing funny to add at all 🙈
November 21, 2025
I really enjoyed the voices of these characters and way we were immersed in their lives. They had several things on their mind, so they felt like real multifaceted people. I loved the friendship aspect of the story best.
July 22, 2025
4.5/5
Definitely enjoyed this read and loved how multilayered the story was. The character development was great as well. This is definitely up there with one of my favorite YA reads this year
Definitely enjoyed this read and loved how multilayered the story was. The character development was great as well. This is definitely up there with one of my favorite YA reads this year
September 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Love the PG County representation, but minus 1/2 star for getting several details about Bowie wrong.
Love the PG County representation, but minus 1/2 star for getting several details about Bowie wrong.
December 16, 2025
I do t usually like messy relationships, but this really stands out
December 14, 2025
I was not expecting this one to have me emotional. It made me value my closest friends even more. This book is dripping with culture and authenticity. loved it!
October 29, 2025
Wowowow what a fun YA story for me to read as a girl who grew up in pg/dmv area! It was full of local references that hit me in all the nostalgic feels. Following two fashion loving teens working through their strained friendship to put on a fashion show and theres a cute boy named “Sauce” whose family invented THEEEE mambo sauce lol yeaaahh it was a fun time. Especially if you’re from the area!
October 29, 2025
I expected this book might just be another story about classism, and it is, but done in a way that feels accessible, easy to reach, and easy to understand. The two main characters are ex-best friends, and we get switched perspectives between the two of them throughout the book. Reya lives in the wealthy Prince George's County (PG County), has a mom who's a lawyer and Real House Wife, and dreams of going to fashion school. She's charismatic, charming, and determined to get off the waitlist at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NY. Sommer is from the less wealthy Seat Pleasant, a place Reya is basically banned from going to by her mother, even though just years ago, they lived there themselves. Sommer spends her time hustling - building clothes and accessories for the Sims with her current two best friends who are recently dating each other, and working at her dad's bookstore. She's doing it all so she can attend Spelman next fall, and pay the tuition required by her dream school. She does not have time for fun, games, and shenanigans. But when a deal comes along that benefit both Reya's and Sommer's college plans, they find a familiar bond to garner their respective dreams.
Reya's character is often shown as your typical rich girl - beautiful, can get whatever or whoever she wants. It's easy for folks to fall in love with her. Sometimes her snobbery shows through, even though she's "new rich" and everything wasn't always in the palm of her hand. She's a lesbian, and that's part of her storyline, but I enjoyed that it's just who she is and this isn't a coming-out story.
Sommer can come off quite curmudgeonly, but that's mostly because she's so serious and just trying to make ends meet. She doesn't have extras and she's working tirelessly to earn money for college. It's exhausting and taking its toll on her.
I really appreciated the character development seen by both characters. They begin to understand their mistakes and take responsibility for their own actions. They work towards being better, if when they're not perfect. It's very wholesome.
There is a nice mix of some romance in this book that is nice and adds to the actual story line. At times, it has a purpose in the greater plot, but it doesn't take over the story.
I really felt like Sommer was the actual main character, even though we get both girls' perspectives. Maybe it's because she had the first chapter. Maybe it's because I always relate better to the "underdog" or the character who has less. But I feel like there were definitely parts that were more Reya-heavy. It seemed like we got more of her friends than Sommer's. Sommer's couple-friends kind of fell off the radar, and I can't remember much about them now. We did get some other relationships on Sommer's end though as we moved through the book. I enjoyed Sommer's interactions with her parents which were just so sweet, while Reya's mom was a whole ass toddler.
The ending was a little over the top, maybe unrealistic, but it did make me tear up for sure.
As someone who works with college students, it really made me appreciate the importance of my type of role, and the challenges students overcome to attend college. It was a good reminder of how to support students in the work that I do.
Reya's character is often shown as your typical rich girl - beautiful, can get whatever or whoever she wants. It's easy for folks to fall in love with her. Sometimes her snobbery shows through, even though she's "new rich" and everything wasn't always in the palm of her hand. She's a lesbian, and that's part of her storyline, but I enjoyed that it's just who she is and this isn't a coming-out story.
Sommer can come off quite curmudgeonly, but that's mostly because she's so serious and just trying to make ends meet. She doesn't have extras and she's working tirelessly to earn money for college. It's exhausting and taking its toll on her.
I really appreciated the character development seen by both characters. They begin to understand their mistakes and take responsibility for their own actions. They work towards being better, if when they're not perfect. It's very wholesome.
There is a nice mix of some romance in this book that is nice and adds to the actual story line. At times, it has a purpose in the greater plot, but it doesn't take over the story.
I really felt like Sommer was the actual main character, even though we get both girls' perspectives. Maybe it's because she had the first chapter. Maybe it's because I always relate better to the "underdog" or the character who has less. But I feel like there were definitely parts that were more Reya-heavy. It seemed like we got more of her friends than Sommer's. Sommer's couple-friends kind of fell off the radar, and I can't remember much about them now. We did get some other relationships on Sommer's end though as we moved through the book. I enjoyed Sommer's interactions with her parents which were just so sweet, while Reya's mom was a whole ass toddler.
The ending was a little over the top, maybe unrealistic, but it did make me tear up for sure.
As someone who works with college students, it really made me appreciate the importance of my type of role, and the challenges students overcome to attend college. It was a good reminder of how to support students in the work that I do.
May 3, 2025
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
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
July 11, 2025
As a fellow PG County native, this book warmed my heart. It feels really good to read and recognize a lot of the places from my hometown. Especially the scene where she talked about the Six Flags, iykyk!!
I thought it was very nice that Reya and Sommer rekindled their friendship. I do think there’s a big misconception about Bowie, MD. I went to school out here and yes when I first moved out here, I thought they were bougie and had nothing but white people. But overtime, I started to relax. Bowie is actually kinda big so I didn’t live in the Woodmore area with the big, humongous houses.
I had friends who grew up in Seat Pleasant, which is about 20 minutes or so out depending on where you’re coming from. PG County is love at the end of the day, no matter which part you grew up in & nobody is better than the other!! The best county to ever do it!!! I’m so glad Reya & Sommer got themselves together.
I love my county.
I thought it was very nice that Reya and Sommer rekindled their friendship. I do think there’s a big misconception about Bowie, MD. I went to school out here and yes when I first moved out here, I thought they were bougie and had nothing but white people. But overtime, I started to relax. Bowie is actually kinda big so I didn’t live in the Woodmore area with the big, humongous houses.
I had friends who grew up in Seat Pleasant, which is about 20 minutes or so out depending on where you’re coming from. PG County is love at the end of the day, no matter which part you grew up in & nobody is better than the other!! The best county to ever do it!!! I’m so glad Reya & Sommer got themselves together.
I love my county.
September 24, 2025
Format: 🎧
Listening Time: 3hrs 48 mins
_________
This was a sweet story about two ex-friends reconnecting while working toward a shared goal. Sommer is focused on saving her family’s bookstore and earning enough to attend Spelman, while Raya is beefing up her portfolio for the Fashion Institute of Technology after being waitlisted. It made for a nice palette cleanser—a light, easy read without anything too heavy.
The author also touched on an important theme: how some Black folks feel pressure to leave the hood behind and then having to maintain a certain image to fit in with a new crowd. Sometimes that means distancing yourself from your past and the people in it, just to create a better future. I appreciated that Raya’s mom, despite her more “saddity” vibes, still gave back to the community rather than turning her back on it completely.
I’m late to the party as usual, but thank you NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for the ARC!
Listening Time: 3hrs 48 mins
_________
This was a sweet story about two ex-friends reconnecting while working toward a shared goal. Sommer is focused on saving her family’s bookstore and earning enough to attend Spelman, while Raya is beefing up her portfolio for the Fashion Institute of Technology after being waitlisted. It made for a nice palette cleanser—a light, easy read without anything too heavy.
The author also touched on an important theme: how some Black folks feel pressure to leave the hood behind and then having to maintain a certain image to fit in with a new crowd. Sometimes that means distancing yourself from your past and the people in it, just to create a better future. I appreciated that Raya’s mom, despite her more “saddity” vibes, still gave back to the community rather than turning her back on it completely.
I’m late to the party as usual, but thank you NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Viking Books for the ARC!
July 25, 2025
We follow two girls: Reya, a rich and popular girl who has it all —designer clothes, a gated community, and a custom Audi. She is used to getting whatever she wants. Sommer, from Seat Pleasant, has to hustle for everything. She works at her father's bookstore and uses her art skills to earn additional income to cover her expenses at her dream school.
Reya and Sommer used to be best friends, but when Reya moved out of Seat Pleasant, things changed. Their lives crossed paths when Reya needed help getting into her dream school. In return, Sommer got paid for her services, which helped her afford the school of her dreams. This agreement allowed them to rebuild their friendship.
I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed reading the growth of Reya and Sommer as individuals and reconnecting as friends. It was wonderful how important issues were discussed in an age-appropriate way. I would highly recommend this book. Perfect palette cleanser. This was a bingeable read! I did not want to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Reya and Sommer used to be best friends, but when Reya moved out of Seat Pleasant, things changed. Their lives crossed paths when Reya needed help getting into her dream school. In return, Sommer got paid for her services, which helped her afford the school of her dreams. This agreement allowed them to rebuild their friendship.
I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed reading the growth of Reya and Sommer as individuals and reconnecting as friends. It was wonderful how important issues were discussed in an age-appropriate way. I would highly recommend this book. Perfect palette cleanser. This was a bingeable read! I did not want to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 5, 2025
This is an uplifting and funny story about family, damaged friendships, and taking pride in where you came from.
Reya and Sommer are fun POVs to read about, with Reya living the rich life and Sommer having to constantly hustle to save money for college. They used to be best friends, and it was great to see their friendship bloom again.
While I liked both characters, I struggled a bit with Sommer. She was strong-willed (which was great), but it felt like she was constantly getting mad at people throughout the book. It felt like a little too much sometimes.
I also felt that the YA language was a little overdone at times, keeping it from feeling authentic. But overall, this was an entertaining and inspiring read for anyone who loves the genre.
Thank you to Penguin Teen Canada for my gifted copy!
Reya and Sommer are fun POVs to read about, with Reya living the rich life and Sommer having to constantly hustle to save money for college. They used to be best friends, and it was great to see their friendship bloom again.
While I liked both characters, I struggled a bit with Sommer. She was strong-willed (which was great), but it felt like she was constantly getting mad at people throughout the book. It felt like a little too much sometimes.
I also felt that the YA language was a little overdone at times, keeping it from feeling authentic. But overall, this was an entertaining and inspiring read for anyone who loves the genre.
Thank you to Penguin Teen Canada for my gifted copy!
July 22, 2025
" ... trust and believe we are not the same. Not anymore, at least."
Sommer is absolutely the most relatable character. Hard working, gamer girl, talented but has to work for it, struggling family, tight group of friends. I love her. My kids would too.
I especially love her dad's bookstore. Don't we all secretly wish our family had a bookstore?! And the struggle is real. I felt every moment of this.
For the record, Reya reminds me of Cher from Clueless (must be her Brat Pack of friends). Jane Austen references, anyone?
"I can't just Disney Channel my way out of this one." 😉
This is the perfect read for back to school. Maybe watch Clueless too.
"No more excuses. Friends feel like family if the bond is real."
Sommer is absolutely the most relatable character. Hard working, gamer girl, talented but has to work for it, struggling family, tight group of friends. I love her. My kids would too.
I especially love her dad's bookstore. Don't we all secretly wish our family had a bookstore?! And the struggle is real. I felt every moment of this.
For the record, Reya reminds me of Cher from Clueless (must be her Brat Pack of friends). Jane Austen references, anyone?
"I can't just Disney Channel my way out of this one." 😉
This is the perfect read for back to school. Maybe watch Clueless too.
"No more excuses. Friends feel like family if the bond is real."
September 1, 2025
As a DMV girl, born in DC & raised in PG County, affiliated with the “less desirable” area of the DMV (SE DC & Southern PG County), but in the talented & gifted program, I loved this book. I saw so much of myself in Sommer, taking the bus while my peers had cars; getting catcalled walking by the corner store while they were safely behind brand new, gated communities. I related to and enjoyed every aspect of this story.
Also, THIS is what accurate reflections of an area look like in a book. I recognized the street names and neighborhood and could picture Grand Rising Book Store. Kudos to Ms Wilson for representing her hometown well, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from a PG County Pretty Girl! 💕
Also, THIS is what accurate reflections of an area look like in a book. I recognized the street names and neighborhood and could picture Grand Rising Book Store. Kudos to Ms Wilson for representing her hometown well, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from a PG County Pretty Girl! 💕
August 20, 2025
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. I fell in love with these characters from the first page!
I love YA books that center around friendship, especially when it is about young women. This book showed a lot of different relationships throughout, whether that was the main friendship, side friendships, budding romances, or familial relationships.
I enjoyed the dual POVs. This allowed us to see both young women as their own person. It also allowed for each of their stories to be fully developed and seen through their own lens.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book!
I love YA books that center around friendship, especially when it is about young women. This book showed a lot of different relationships throughout, whether that was the main friendship, side friendships, budding romances, or familial relationships.
I enjoyed the dual POVs. This allowed us to see both young women as their own person. It also allowed for each of their stories to be fully developed and seen through their own lens.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book!
Read
March 30, 2025This is one compelling YA novel that explores themes of friendship, class, and ambition.
The book is written from the POV of Reya and Sommer, and it provides a good look at the complexities of young womens relationships and how social economic differences can affect those relationships.
The only thing missing for me was Sommer not taking any responsibility for our lost friendship with Reya. It goes both ways boo
I haven't read a YA is a pretty long one, and I'm glad I was able to get this copy thanks to Netgalley and Lakita Wilson. Time to find more of your books... here goes my TBR
The book is written from the POV of Reya and Sommer, and it provides a good look at the complexities of young womens relationships and how social economic differences can affect those relationships.
The only thing missing for me was Sommer not taking any responsibility for our lost friendship with Reya. It goes both ways boo
I haven't read a YA is a pretty long one, and I'm glad I was able to get this copy thanks to Netgalley and Lakita Wilson. Time to find more of your books... here goes my TBR
July 24, 2025
This book was definitely worth the five stars because I was hooked by the first chapter. Just seeing the mention of sims and fashion had me wanting to go and play sims again. Then seeing old friends reunite to help each other with going to their dream school 🥹 I was a proud auntie watching these girls achieve their goals. Also I definitely recommend the physical copy for the book Recs the author drops at the end of the book.
September 7, 2025
Voice, voice, voice, voice: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY is full of it. Lakita Wilson gives us to fully developed, distinct narrators in rich girl Reya Samuels and scrappy Sommer Watkins. The worlds they inhabit are specific and vivid. I especially appreciated the region-specific slang! Wilson gives a masterclass in how to incorporate significant slang usage by characters with explaining the meaning to readers--without it seeming like explanation. I was especially impressed by how included I felt as someone with no experience of living in or visiting Prince George’s County and Seat Pleasant; I was educated yet never pulled out of the story. Big congrats to Lakita Wilson on PRETTY GIRL COUNTY. It's a stellar YA read!
August 16, 2025
4 ⭐️! You can’t live in or visit the DMV without knowing about PG ‘Pretty Girl’ County! It’s the Mecca of Black excellence and generational wealth, so this book was an instant yes for me.
Reya and Somer are two friends from PG County, grew up with totally different experiences. Reya? I loved her! She’s the definition of a Pretty Girl County resident; bold, brilliant, hilarious, and unforgettable. I was rooting her on like I knew her in real life!
Somer, on the other hand, was cool…maybe a little irritating at times (lol), but she added the perfect balance to Reya’s fire.
And major shoutout to the author for showing love to both legendary and up-and-coming Black authors. That homage felt intentional and beautiful.
Reya and Somer are two friends from PG County, grew up with totally different experiences. Reya? I loved her! She’s the definition of a Pretty Girl County resident; bold, brilliant, hilarious, and unforgettable. I was rooting her on like I knew her in real life!
Somer, on the other hand, was cool…maybe a little irritating at times (lol), but she added the perfect balance to Reya’s fire.
And major shoutout to the author for showing love to both legendary and up-and-coming Black authors. That homage felt intentional and beautiful.
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