Shampoo Unicorn

“Shampoo Unicorn is the most powerful debut of the year. Lovett’s book is heartfelt, genuine, and raw. An important and ultimately joyful book that will leave readers hopeful and comforted.”
  - Erin Entrada Kelly, acclaimed Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author of HELLO, UNIVERSE and WE DREAM OF SPACE

Shampoo Unicorn: (noun)

1. A shower hairstyle in which one styles their lathered hair into the fluffiest soapy unicorn horn possible.
2. A podcast by two mysterious hosts exploring rural queer life—the isolation, the microaggressions, the boredom, and occasionally, the sky-shattering joy.

 In the small town of Canon, West Virginia, most people care about three things: God, country, and football.

Brian is more into Drag Race, Dolly Parton, and his gig as one of the mystery hosts of his podcast, Shampoo Unicorn.

Greg’s life should be perfect as the town’s super-masc football star, but his secret is he’s just as gay as Brian. 

Leslie is a trans girl living in nearby Pennsylvania, searching for reasons to get out of bed every day. Her solace is listening to her favorite podcast. . . .

When a terrible accident occurs, it’s Shampoo Unicorn that brings the three teens’ lives together. And what begins as a search for answers becomes a story of finding connection.

Sawyer Lovett’s powerful and ultimately joyful debut novel is about three teens, one podcast, and carving out a rainbow pocket in an otherwise red state.

Sawyer Lovett is a trans writer living just outside of Philadelphia by way of Tazewell, VA. He's a graduate of the Rosemont College MFA program and the human parent to two chaotic rescue dogs. He is an accomplished balloon twister, a pretty good barista, and an occasional bookseller.

“Shampoo Unicorn is the most powerful debut of the year. Lovett’s book is heartfelt, genuine, and raw. An important and ultimately joyful book that will leave readers hopeful and comforted.”
–Erin Entrada Kelly, acclaimed Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author of HELLO, UNIVERSE and WE DREAM OF SPACE

"Acceptance and forgiveness are at the core of this timely novel, which gives voice to queer youth and amplifies the importance of connection and community." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Lovett’s debut is searing, powerful, and sure to extend a beacon of hope for queer teens across the country." - Booklist (starred review)

“Heart-wrenching but hopeful, a beautiful story about how finding the courage to use your voice can help heal and build the kind of community necessary for survival amidst hate.”
- Randy Ribay, award-winning and best-selling author of PATRON SAINTS OF NOTHING and EVERYTHING WE NEVER HAD

“Shampoo Unicorn is a fiercely loving ode to queer rural America and the young people who build oases of joyful community in a world that tries to deny them sustenance. This is the sort of book that saves lives.”