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 adored this book! It was definitely out of my normal read but I loved the setting of PG county! I appreciated how the author included how people judge the ghetto neighborhoods and the people that live in them, including the conflict it presents in social divide. Even Sommer had to look within herself for judging Octavious.

This book is beyond fun. Between the fun Sims game references to the banter and the excellent writing execution, this is such a wonderful read!

It’s not quite formatted yet for me to be able to access, so I am going to get a copy once it is published because this is a great book.

This book had me smiling from ear to ear and I wanted to keep reading it, so I am keeping it at 5 stars regardless of the formatting. Plus, the cover is beyond gorgeous.

I am excited to get this book once it releases! Thank you for providing me with a free eARC copy of this book! I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
#ya
Publishing date 7/1/2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐

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! 📚