Lakita Wilson Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of What Was...? Books

Publication Order of Who HQ Now Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Lakita Wilson

American novelist Lakita Wilson crafts stories for young readers that truly capture their attention. She is the creative mind behind both engaging novels and fascinating true stories. Her work even includes books for the popular New York Times bestselling Who HQ Now series. She clearly enjoys exploring a wide range of topics for her audience.

A great strength of her writing is how she builds her main characters. She makes people who feel completely real and wonderfully relatable. Readers quickly become invested in their personal journeys and growth. This fantastic character work is a hallmark of her enjoyable style.

Crafting characters that feel authentic, her work is deeply relatable to her readers. She excels at developing protagonists who face realistic challenges with genuine emotions. This focus on creating believable personal journeys is a noted strength of her writing style. Her characters often drive the compelling nature of her narratives.

The narratives she creates are known for being incredibly compelling. She has a genuine gift for crafting plots that are entertaining and absorbing. This ability ensures her books are not just stories but full experiences. Readers are often left eagerly anticipating her next creative project.

Lakita entertains a global readership with stories that feel both universal and uniquely personal. Her novels provide a captivating escape for young adults everywhere. Readers from different places find a welcoming connection within her engaging pages.

She achieves this wide appeal by crafting narratives that are authentic to her own perspective. The genuine nature of her writing creates a powerful sense of honesty. This truthful approach allows her work to resonate on a deep and meaningful level.

Ultimately, her stories succeed by being compelling and genuinely entertaining. She invites everyone into worlds built with sincerity and heart. This combination of excitement and authenticity is what keeps readers everywhere coming back for more.

Lakita Wilson continues to develop fresh and engaging stories for her audience. Her ongoing creative work promises more captivating books in the future. Readers can eagerly look forward to her next literary projects.

Early and Personal Life

Lakita Wilson was born in Washington, DC before growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Her early years in this community provided a foundation for her future. Many authors find their initial inspiration in the familiar landscapes of their youth.

Her dedication to writing is clear from her formal education and achievements. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont. This advanced study helped refine her natural talent for creating stories.

Today, she contributes to her community by teaching at a local college. She balances this professional role with her life as a parent and an author. Her continued residence in Maryland keeps her connected to the place she has always called home.

Writing Career

Lakita Wilson’s formal writing career includes recognition through the SCBWI’s Emerging Voices Award. She further honed her craft by earning an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. This educational foundation supported her transition into becoming a published novelist.

Her published works include the middle grade novel Be Real, Macy Weaver and young adult titles like Last Chance Dance and Sparkle. She also went on to publish Pretty Girl County in 2025. This growing list of books confirms her active and continuing career as an author.

Last Chance Dance

Lakita Wilson is the author of the young adult romance novel Last Chance Dance. The book was officially released on February 21, 2023. It was published by the renowned imprint Viking Books for Young Readers.

The story itself features Leila, who is devastated after her long-term boyfriend goes and breaks up with her. Her high school’s tradition, the Last Chance Dance, offers an opportunity to be matched with a date before graduation. To her surprise, Leila is matched with all three of her submitted crushes, including her chemistry partner and rival, Tre Hillman. As she goes on dates with her matches, Leila must ultimately decide what, and who, she truly wants before the dance arrives.

Readers find this novel to be a highly enjoyable and charming romantic story. The unique premise of the Last Chance Dance tradition is both fun and engaging. Many appreciate the relatable journey of the main character as she navigates her choices. It is widely considered a very satisfying and upbeat read.

Pretty Girl

Lakita Wilson authored the young adult contemporary romance novel Pretty Girl. The book was officially published on July 1, 2025. It was released by the esteemed publisher Viking Books for Young Readers.

Reya Samuels and Sommer Watkins were once best friends from the same community. Now, Reya lives a life of wealth in a gated neighborhood while Sommer works hard to afford her college dreams. Their paths cross again when Reya needs Sommer’s artistic help to secure her own fashion school admission, offering payment in return. As they work together, old wounds and new challenges test whether their fractured friendship can be repaired.

This novel presents a compelling story about the complex dynamic between two former best friends. Readers often find the exploration of their fractured relationship to be both engaging and emotionally resonant. The narrative thoughtfully examines themes of class, ambition, and reconciliation. It is widely regarded as a satisfying and well-crafted contemporary read.

Sparkle

Lakita Wilson is the author of the middle grade novel Sparkle. The book was officially published on October 24, 2023. It was once again released by the publisher Viking Books for Young Readers.

Twelve-year-old aspiring superstar Sparkle Moore must navigate middle school after being diagnosed with alopecia. She faces the challenge of hiding her hair loss from friends while trying out for the school play and managing opportunities from her mother. Dealing with medications and wigs, Sparkle works to keep her condition a secret. When her secrets begin to surface, she must learn to accept her changes and show everyone her true capabilities with or without hair.

As a coming-of-age novel it offers a truly uplifting story about a young girl’s journey with alopecia. Readers often praise its honest and heartfelt portrayal of building self-confidence. The main character’s experience resonates as both authentic and inspiring. It is considered a positive and meaningful read for young audiences.