Unicorn Boy (Unicorn Boy #1)

Roman (the Astronaut Academy series) concocts a fanciful journey of self-discovery in this charming and introspective graphic novel. Brian Reyes—the eponymous Unicorn Boy who is depicted with brown skin—is an ordinary kid who finds his world turned upside down when, one day, a mysterious bump on his head morphs into a sparkling, singing unicorn horn. Brian’s newfound spike initially shakes his confidence, but when his pale-skinned, nonbinary best friend Avery is kidnapped by shadow creatures, Brian intuits that his powers are a gift meant to save them. An eclectic cast of misfits, including a life coach by way of a talking breakfast muffin, a sassy black cat looking to spare one of its nine lives, and an underworld gondolier who accepts payment via app, enliven the goofy premise while providing useful life lessons to Brian as he slowly accepts his unique mission. Roman’s cartoony illustrations are zesty, and irreverent dialogue juxtaposes a serious moral core with silly puns and wordplay. Underlying themes of self-love, friendship, and acceptance, and the responsible use of great power, make this superhero-adjacent series opener ideal for readers seeking an upbeat blend of magic and character growth. Ages 8–12. (Mar.)