A dazzling YA anthology that spotlights the transformative power of books while equipping teens to fight for the freedom to read, featuring the voices of 15 diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators.

Books are disappearing from shelves across the country. 

What does this mean for authors, illustrators, and—most crucially—for young readers? 

This bold collection of fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic narratives, essays, and other genres explores book bans through various lenses, and empowers teens to fight back. From moving personal accounts to clever comebacks aimed at censorship, fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators confront the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. 

Contributors include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Lê Nguyễn, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman; the collection is a star-studded must-read that packs strength and power into every last word. 

Striking illustrations from Ignatz-nominated artist Debbie Fong pair perfectly with the searing, impactful narrative. Resources include tips from the Vandegrift Banned Book Club and other teen activists, as well as extensive recommended book lists, a How to Start Your Own Little Free Library flier, and more.

"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.

Praise for Shampoo Unicorn:

"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."
- Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of THE SERPENT KING

"A powerful, gorgeous book about three teens, brought together after a horrific accident and the power of human connection. Shampoo Unicorn is an absolutely remarkable debut."
- Liz Lawson, New York Times best-selling author of THE AGATHAS series & THE LUCKY ONES


"Shampoo Unicorn is one of those books that you know is special from the very first page. (Actually, from the first sentence.) This debut is an absolute gift."
- Meredith Adamo, author of NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS

"Shampoo Unicorn is a story of queer affirmation, of finding joy in the face of hardship, of shouting your true self to the heavens no matter what anyone thinks. I loved this book. I think you will too."
- Eric Bell, author of ALAN COLE IS NOT A COWARD and ALAN COLE DOESN''T DANCE

"This book is not just for the small town kids who feel isolated in their queerness, but for everyone who has ever felt like they had to dim their own light in order to be accepted."
- Amy Ignatow, author of THE POPULARITY PAPERS and THE MIGHTY ODDS


"Any lgbtqia+ kid (or adult) who ever held on because of the zine that might show up in the mailbox, or because of the voice of their favorite podcast host will find themself in this book, and in the main characters'' love for each other."
- Alex DiFrancesco, author of TRANSMUTATION, ALL CITY, and PSYCHOPOMPS


 

An instant New York Times bestseller!

The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story--and a rallying cry against book banning.

In an instant, Ossie Brown's entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie--a Black teen who doesn't come from wealth and privilege--must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he's now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students' viral "anti-woke" video puts the teacher's job, the writing program, and even Ossie's friends' safety at risk--and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.

In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope. From the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky and Vinyl Moon.

"[A] gorgeous, tender testament to the generation of young people who shouldered the pandemic.”
--Brendan Kiely, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author

Grief, pain, hope, and love collide in this short story collection. 

In New York City, teens, their families, and their communities feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the fear and loss, these teens and the adults around them persevere with love and hope while living in difficult circumstances:


 

• Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his pandemic reality.
• Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive during quarantine.
• Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents.
• Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive.
• A social worker reflects on the ways the foster system fails their children.

From award-winning author Mahogany L. Browne comes a poignant collection of interconnected prose, poems, and lists about the humanity and resilience of New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I'm once again blown away by Laura Gao's ability to make me relate to someone completely different from myself. Get ready to experience the epic highs and lows of high school rock climbing." --Sonora Reyes, National Book Award finalist and bestselling author of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

Once dubbed the Queen of Balance as her school's top rock climber, Kirby Tan suffers an injury that sidelines her for the rest of the season. Now she's forced to join the newspaper club for some desperately needed extra credit. Worse, she's recruited by crystal-wearing, tarot-reading Bex Santos for her astrology-based love advice column. As Kirby reluctantly agrees to orchestrate "matches made in heaven" with Bex, she begins to wonder if their own stars could be aligned. But loving who she wants isn't so easy when her family and church community are on the line. Can Kirby pull off her greatest balancing act yet

From Laura Gao, the acclaimed creator of Messy Roots, comes an authentic slow-burn romance and coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Heartstopper, lovers of astrology and tarot, and anyone looking for answers on the right way to fall (in love).

Mo Willems, #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator creates a hare-larious picture book about bunnies.



There are ME bunnies.

There are YOU bunnies.

There are US bunnies . . . and WE bunnies . . . and THEM bunnies.



There are a lot of bunnies in Me and Other Bunnies.

Every dino has one day / to spend in their own special way.

Playful rhyming verse from Lisa Wheeler and action-packed illustrations from Barry Gott highlight four dino birthday parties in four different seasons. Each party has a kid-friendly theme, and there are presents, cake, and lots of games for everyone!

From #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems comes this class-ic graduation book.



The Pigeon had better graduate! He did the work! He paid attention to the little details! He overcame some BIG obstacles! The Pigeon's got this . . . Or does he?



Do YOU think The Pigeon will graduate?



Grab your caps, don your gowns, and raise your hands for The Pigeon's biggest adventure yet in this uplifting, hilarious, and inspirational graduation picture book from three-time Caldecott honoree Mo Willems. It's a PhD* in fun! 



(*Pigeon-y hilarious Diatribe)

Fall in love with a turtle wearing a bear suit--determined to prove that he's a "for-real" bear--in this laugh-out-loud silly friendship story from the award-winning Bob Shea, author-illustrator of the popular Dinosaur VS. series and Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great

When a turtle in a bear suit claims he is a "for-real" bear, he must prove himself to another turtle who just so happens to be a for-real bear expert. Hilarity ensues as Bearsuit Turtle proves he can climb trees, hibernate, and do other for-real bear stuff . . . like riding bikes, eating ice cream, and smashing pumpkins.

But when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle has to admit a truth of his own. Whether or not these two turtles are for-real bears or experts, they just might become for-real friends.

With a fabulously endearing, offbeat, and memorable new character; playful, true-to-life child dynamics; and a goofy, kid-perfect sense of humor, Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend is sure to charm readers everywhere. Includes a page of "for-real bear facts" at the end.

Caldecott Medal Winner



Kirkus Best Book of 2024 - CCBC Choices 2025



A Cherokee girl introduces her younger brother to their family's traditions -- begrudgingly! -- in this picture book written by Walter Award-winner Andrea L. Rogers and featuring gorgeous collage illustrations from debut artist Rebecca Lee Kunz.



Sissy's younger brother, Chooch, isn't a baby anymore. They just celebrated his second birthday, after all. But no matter what Chooch does -- even if he's messing something up! Which is basically all the time! -- their parents say he's just "helping." Sissy feels that Chooch can get away with anything!



When Elisi paints a mural, Chooch helps. When Edutsi makes grape dumplings, Chooch helps. When Oginalii gigs for crawdads, Chooch helps. When Sissy tries to make a clay pot, Chooch helps . . .



"Hesdi!" Sissy yells. Quit it! And Chooch bursts into tears. What follows is a tender family moment that will resonate with anyone who has welcomed a new little one to the fold. Chooch Helped is a universal story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, told with grace by Andrea L. Rogers and stunning art from Rebecca Lee Kunz showing one Cherokee family practicing their cultural traditions.