Goth Unicorn

It’s not all sparkles and sunshine when it comes to seventh-grade unicorns; sometimes it’s angst, comic books and The Cure. The first in a funny and deeply felt graphic novel series by Eisner Award–nominated comics creator Ashley Spires about an artistic unicorn struggling to find her place and style in middle school — and be accepted for who she really is. For fans ages 8 to 12 of Raina Telgemeier and the Netflix hit Wednesday. A broody cover with sparkles and back matter that includes how to do a comic jam makes a perfect gift for aspiring artists . . . and goths.

Fiona Horsworth has felt invisible ever since her best friend, Kelsey, moved away. But when the cooler mermaids and pixies at Tartarus Middle School finally notice her, she doesn’t live up to their expectations. Frustrated with trying to fit in, she begins experimenting with a new look — and a new drawing style — that makes her stand out. Just as Fiona is starting to feel like her outside matches her inside, something happens that threatens to upend her new sense of self.

In this hilarious and keenly felt middle-grade graphic novel by Eisner Award–nominated artist Ashley Spires, a young unicorn discovers that the journey to being yourself isn’t all sparkles and sunshine. But finding your own herd — and your own passion — can make all the difference.