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Brainbow
A sixth grader discovers she has synesthesia in this middle grade graphic novel about rumors, friendship, and the power of new (and colorful!) perspectives. Perfect for fans of Allergic.
Most kids have five senses. Rosie has six.
Eleven-year-old Rosie can sense colors—and she thought everyone else could, too. After the first meeting of her middle school’s math league ends in confusion, Rosie wonders why nobody seems to know that every letter, number, and song has a special hue of their own. While her best friend Harper is too busy impressing the cool kids to care, Rosie befriends Yara, a lonely classmate who informs her that this condition has a name—synesthesia! But when Rosie’s secret gets out, rumors start to spread. The math league's first tournament is only a few weeks away, and no one trusts the girl with “brain colors” anymore.
With difficult friendships and a competitive academic club to navigate, can Rosie find the courage to embrace her unique gift after all?
Most kids have five senses. Rosie has six.
Eleven-year-old Rosie can sense colors—and she thought everyone else could, too. After the first meeting of her middle school’s math league ends in confusion, Rosie wonders why nobody seems to know that every letter, number, and song has a special hue of their own. While her best friend Harper is too busy impressing the cool kids to care, Rosie befriends Yara, a lonely classmate who informs her that this condition has a name—synesthesia! But when Rosie’s secret gets out, rumors start to spread. The math league's first tournament is only a few weeks away, and no one trusts the girl with “brain colors” anymore.
With difficult friendships and a competitive academic club to navigate, can Rosie find the courage to embrace her unique gift after all?
248 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Maya Henderson
28 books14 followersMaya Henderson is an author–illustrator from rural New York who loves creating stories that are funny, heartfelt, and relatable. She received her BFA in illustration with a sequential arts minor from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Her work has previously been featured online in the New Yorker and she is excited to bring her unique sense of humor into children’s publishing. While she primarily works digitally, Maya also enjoys using analog media such as pens, pencils, and highlighters to draw diary comics based on funny, everyday experiences. When she isn’t creating, Maya spends her free time hanging out with her two naughty cats– Doobie and Dori, cooking Pinterest recipes, and overanalyzing her favorite graphic novels.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 26, 2026
This was phenomenal.
From the artwork and the character development, Henderson did a wonderful job capturing the middle grade experience and what it’s like to have synesthesia. I’ve heard of it before, but seeing it represented in a middle grade novel was particularly rewarding.
From the artwork and the character development, Henderson did a wonderful job capturing the middle grade experience and what it’s like to have synesthesia. I’ve heard of it before, but seeing it represented in a middle grade novel was particularly rewarding.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this for the synesthesia rep and that is the best part of this graphic novel. I appreciated how well it explained synesthesia and how we see it show up in Rosie's academics and relationships.
I did not like the depiction of most of the characters outside of Rosie and her new friend Yara. Everyone else is awful and none of the negative behaviors are ever truly addressed. Rosie's mom is only there to be a rules enforcer - she never has an actual conversation with her child about what is happening in her life. But I'm not sure the author intended for her to be unlikable and absent - I think it was a byproduct of careless storytelling. Best friend Harper is a bully and it is mostly brushed away at the end. I'm not saying kids can't make mistakes, but there have to be consequences and adult support to course correct. The math teacher punishes Rosie without trying to understand the situation or addressing the bullying from other students. The author had a plot they wanted to tell and didn't develop the characters beyond that plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Ink for an arc in exchange for a review.
I did not like the depiction of most of the characters outside of Rosie and her new friend Yara. Everyone else is awful and none of the negative behaviors are ever truly addressed. Rosie's mom is only there to be a rules enforcer - she never has an actual conversation with her child about what is happening in her life. But I'm not sure the author intended for her to be unlikable and absent - I think it was a byproduct of careless storytelling. Best friend Harper is a bully and it is mostly brushed away at the end. I'm not saying kids can't make mistakes, but there have to be consequences and adult support to course correct. The math teacher punishes Rosie without trying to understand the situation or addressing the bullying from other students. The author had a plot they wanted to tell and didn't develop the characters beyond that plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Ink for an arc in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5⭐
This is a tough one to parse through. The main storyline exploring synesthesia is stellar, showcasing how it shapes and colors Rosie's world. The friendship she makes with Yara, who also has similar experiences, is so wholesome and heartwarming. On the entirely opposite end of the spectrum is nearly every single other character that's genuinely awful to Rosie and, while there is some minor growth from them, it's really difficult to get through seeing them treat her terribly with next to zero consequences for their actions/words. I would love to read more of Rosie's story and her experiences with synesthesia, especially with an art style this dynamic!
Thanks to Little, Brown Ink and NetGalley for the arc!
This is a tough one to parse through. The main storyline exploring synesthesia is stellar, showcasing how it shapes and colors Rosie's world. The friendship she makes with Yara, who also has similar experiences, is so wholesome and heartwarming. On the entirely opposite end of the spectrum is nearly every single other character that's genuinely awful to Rosie and, while there is some minor growth from them, it's really difficult to get through seeing them treat her terribly with next to zero consequences for their actions/words. I would love to read more of Rosie's story and her experiences with synesthesia, especially with an art style this dynamic!
Thanks to Little, Brown Ink and NetGalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It’s the start of 6th grade for Rosie and her best friend Harper. Disappointed that their class schedules don’t line up, the pals take an entrance exam to be on the school math team, largely in order to be able to spend more time together. Rosie would have preferred joining the art club, but Harper seems to always get her way. When Rosie doesn’t make the team because she didn’t show her work on the test, the team’s adviser asks her to help him out as an assistant manager; he sees her organizational skills and creative approach as an asset. A dispute over the team’s t-shirt design leads to an awkward confrontation between Rosie and the rest of the team: Rosie associates words and numbers with specific colors, and she is surprised to learn that this perception is unique to her. She has always assumed everyone saw things that way. The other kids on the team, including Harper, make fun of her and her “imaginary colors.”
Meanwhile, Rosie has met a new girl at school named Yara, who loves to draw and play guitar, and they become fast friends. Yara spends lunchtime in the music room to avoid the loud cafeteria, flinches when people get hurt in gym class, and explains to Rosie that she has several types of synesthesia. Yara describes synesthesia as “a special trait that causes your brain to make more connections than most people. It’s kind of like having more than five senses... There are a bajillion different types…” Rosie quickly realizes that she also has synesthesia, and is excited to learn more about it from Yara (who has done extensive research in her young life!) and put a name and an explanation to her color associations. Unfortunately, Harper is a little less enthusiastic about this revelation. She even tries to use the trait against Rosie in an effort to become more popular, first by pretending she has synesthesia too, and then by framing Rosie for a crime she didn’t commit. The social struggle between the two besties intensifies leading up to the first math meet, where Rosie has a chance to prove that her synesthesia is actually an asset and not an invented quirk. If the other kids on the team accept her, she hopes to be able to mend fences with Harper and maintain her new friendship with Yara.
In many ways, Brainbow is standard fare for middle school realistic fiction: lifelong best friends drift apart and discover separate interests and new friends, while still hoping to maintain their childhood bond. But it stands out for introducing readers to synesthesia, and presenting it in ways that are easily understood (in words and pictures). The graphic novel format lends itself perfectly to the story, as it is quite dialogue-heavy. The digitally created illustrations are in a typical style for the genre, with bright colors and easy-to-follow panel layout. Rosie’s synesthesia is reflected in the artwork: anytime she reads something, whether a sign on the wall or words in her science textbook, the letters are highlighted in different colors. Kids with synesthesia or other forms of neurodivergence will probably connect with Rosie’s relief when she learns about it, as well as her frustration when she tries to explain it to her peers. Rosie and Yara and their families present as Black, and there is diversity among the school community. Terrific back matter about synesthesia includes the answers to questions like “is it annoying or painful?” and “can I develop synesthesia?” as well as suggested websites and articles to learn more (including a link to an online assessment similar to the one Yara shares with Rosie. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Meanwhile, Rosie has met a new girl at school named Yara, who loves to draw and play guitar, and they become fast friends. Yara spends lunchtime in the music room to avoid the loud cafeteria, flinches when people get hurt in gym class, and explains to Rosie that she has several types of synesthesia. Yara describes synesthesia as “a special trait that causes your brain to make more connections than most people. It’s kind of like having more than five senses... There are a bajillion different types…” Rosie quickly realizes that she also has synesthesia, and is excited to learn more about it from Yara (who has done extensive research in her young life!) and put a name and an explanation to her color associations. Unfortunately, Harper is a little less enthusiastic about this revelation. She even tries to use the trait against Rosie in an effort to become more popular, first by pretending she has synesthesia too, and then by framing Rosie for a crime she didn’t commit. The social struggle between the two besties intensifies leading up to the first math meet, where Rosie has a chance to prove that her synesthesia is actually an asset and not an invented quirk. If the other kids on the team accept her, she hopes to be able to mend fences with Harper and maintain her new friendship with Yara.
In many ways, Brainbow is standard fare for middle school realistic fiction: lifelong best friends drift apart and discover separate interests and new friends, while still hoping to maintain their childhood bond. But it stands out for introducing readers to synesthesia, and presenting it in ways that are easily understood (in words and pictures). The graphic novel format lends itself perfectly to the story, as it is quite dialogue-heavy. The digitally created illustrations are in a typical style for the genre, with bright colors and easy-to-follow panel layout. Rosie’s synesthesia is reflected in the artwork: anytime she reads something, whether a sign on the wall or words in her science textbook, the letters are highlighted in different colors. Kids with synesthesia or other forms of neurodivergence will probably connect with Rosie’s relief when she learns about it, as well as her frustration when she tries to explain it to her peers. Rosie and Yara and their families present as Black, and there is diversity among the school community. Terrific back matter about synesthesia includes the answers to questions like “is it annoying or painful?” and “can I develop synesthesia?” as well as suggested websites and articles to learn more (including a link to an online assessment similar to the one Yara shares with Rosie. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Rosie relies a lot on her friend Harper, so when Harper wants to join the Mathletes team instead of art club, Rosie goes along. There's a test to qualify to be one of the eight members, and since Rosies didn't show her work, she didn't make the cut. Harper complains to Mr. Oliver, the coach, who allows Rosie to join as team manager. When the group design shirts for the club, Rosie complains that the colors don't "match" the letters, and everyone makes fun of her a bit. Since Harper is also very demanding (she wants to copy Rosie's homework and dictates their social life) and team members like Owen are jerks, Rosie finds herself in the band room listening to new student Yara play guitar. Yara tells Rosie that she doesn't like to be in crowded places because she can feel pain or touch when she sees others experience it, and the cafeteria is overwhelming. When budget cuts are made after the t shirts are paid for, the team needs money to fund entry into competitions. Rosie and Yara come up with a good idea to make math themed cookies, and Harper passes this idea off as her own. Yara and Rosie discuss Rosie's ability to connect letters with colors, and Rosie discovers that she might have synesthesia like Yara, although a different form. When she explains it to Harper, Harper claims to have it, but exaggerates the condition. Harper also doesn't make her cookies, and wants Rosie to make them, but she refuses. The bake sale is a success, but the money goes missing from Mr. Oliver's desk. Everyone blames Rosie. The true culprit soon comes to light, and when Harper doesn't have her permission slip before the first competition, Rosie gets to compete instead. The girls do talk, and Harper apologizes for treating Rosie so badly, and the two remain friends.
Strengths: There have been a couple of middle grade novels about synesthesia, but I haven't seen a graphic novel chronicling the experience, and the format lends itself well to this. Rosie is a sympathetic character who is starting to chafe under the pressure from her long time friend who is no longer supportive of her quiet ways. As evil as Harper is, this type of friend is all too common in middle school. Rosie is a good organizer, and works hard, so she is a great choice for a team manager, and Mr. Oliver was kind to allow her to help. Bake sales are one of the few ways tweens are able to raise money, even if we see them less after the Pandemic. The illustrations are bright and appealing, and the depiction of what Rosie sees is made clear. Henderson's style of illustration reminds me of other books I have read, but this does seem to be her debut graphic novel.
Weaknesses: Since synesthesia is a fairly rare condition, it seemed a bit over the top that Mr. Oliver also could "taste" words. There didn't seem to be any adult supervision in the band room over lunch when the girls were there, which worried me.
What I really think: This is a good graphic novel to recommend to readers who like to experience the perspective of others in titles like Garcia and Williams' Mixed Up, Fantaskey and Jones' Wires Crossed or Larson's Very Bad at Math.
Rosie relies a lot on her friend Harper, so when Harper wants to join the Mathletes team instead of art club, Rosie goes along. There's a test to qualify to be one of the eight members, and since Rosies didn't show her work, she didn't make the cut. Harper complains to Mr. Oliver, the coach, who allows Rosie to join as team manager. When the group design shirts for the club, Rosie complains that the colors don't "match" the letters, and everyone makes fun of her a bit. Since Harper is also very demanding (she wants to copy Rosie's homework and dictates their social life) and team members like Owen are jerks, Rosie finds herself in the band room listening to new student Yara play guitar. Yara tells Rosie that she doesn't like to be in crowded places because she can feel pain or touch when she sees others experience it, and the cafeteria is overwhelming. When budget cuts are made after the t shirts are paid for, the team needs money to fund entry into competitions. Rosie and Yara come up with a good idea to make math themed cookies, and Harper passes this idea off as her own. Yara and Rosie discuss Rosie's ability to connect letters with colors, and Rosie discovers that she might have synesthesia like Yara, although a different form. When she explains it to Harper, Harper claims to have it, but exaggerates the condition. Harper also doesn't make her cookies, and wants Rosie to make them, but she refuses. The bake sale is a success, but the money goes missing from Mr. Oliver's desk. Everyone blames Rosie. The true culprit soon comes to light, and when Harper doesn't have her permission slip before the first competition, Rosie gets to compete instead. The girls do talk, and Harper apologizes for treating Rosie so badly, and the two remain friends.
Strengths: There have been a couple of middle grade novels about synesthesia, but I haven't seen a graphic novel chronicling the experience, and the format lends itself well to this. Rosie is a sympathetic character who is starting to chafe under the pressure from her long time friend who is no longer supportive of her quiet ways. As evil as Harper is, this type of friend is all too common in middle school. Rosie is a good organizer, and works hard, so she is a great choice for a team manager, and Mr. Oliver was kind to allow her to help. Bake sales are one of the few ways tweens are able to raise money, even if we see them less after the Pandemic. The illustrations are bright and appealing, and the depiction of what Rosie sees is made clear. Henderson's style of illustration reminds me of other books I have read, but this does seem to be her debut graphic novel.
Weaknesses: Since synesthesia is a fairly rare condition, it seemed a bit over the top that Mr. Oliver also could "taste" words. There didn't seem to be any adult supervision in the band room over lunch when the girls were there, which worried me.
What I really think: This is a good graphic novel to recommend to readers who like to experience the perspective of others in titles like Garcia and Williams' Mixed Up, Fantaskey and Jones' Wires Crossed or Larson's Very Bad at Math.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stars: 3.5 Stars
Start Date: 8/22/26
Ending Date:8/22/26
Genre: Graphic Novel Middle Grade
Form: E-Arc
Page Count: 248
Publishing Date:9/22/26
Point of View:
Setting:
Content Warning:
My Blog:https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
StoryGraph:https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Thank you Netgalley for the E-Arc.
Brainbow is a story about a 6th grader Rosie and her best friend Harper who decided to join the math club together since they didn't have any classes together in school. Rosie wanted to join the art club but Harper insisted they join the math club. Upon taking the entrance exam to join the math club Rosie notices that she assigns a color to a number or a word which she though everyone does but her fellow classmates does not.She meets Yara, a girl who is not only new to this town and her school but also has the same abilities as her. They form a friendship in this story about finding your voice, your own path, and your real friends.
This would have been rated higher since it was a great way to introduce and show kids the concept of synesthesia but Rosie's "best friend" Harper needs to be snatched up. She's supposed to be Rosie's friend but she's very pushy towards Roise and literally runs over her . It was Harper's idea to join the math club since that's what she wanted to do without Rosie's input. I know these are 11 year olds in the 6th grade but Harper literally bullies her and does something that should have gotten her kicked off the team and suspended from school but does not face any major consequences for her behavior. All the kids are just mean to Roise and Harper doesn’t defend her but literally edge it on.
As you can tell Roise was very shy at the beginning but found her voice at the end. Yara was one of the only kids that was kind to Rosie and was nice to see their friendship blossom. At the end of the story, it was actually a blessing in disguise that Rosie and Harper didn't have any classes together.
Start Date: 8/22/26
Ending Date:8/22/26
Genre: Graphic Novel Middle Grade
Form: E-Arc
Page Count: 248
Publishing Date:9/22/26
Point of View:
Setting:
Content Warning:
My Blog:https://tanyasreading.wordpress.com/2...
StoryGraph:https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
Thank you Netgalley for the E-Arc.
Brainbow is a story about a 6th grader Rosie and her best friend Harper who decided to join the math club together since they didn't have any classes together in school. Rosie wanted to join the art club but Harper insisted they join the math club. Upon taking the entrance exam to join the math club Rosie notices that she assigns a color to a number or a word which she though everyone does but her fellow classmates does not.She meets Yara, a girl who is not only new to this town and her school but also has the same abilities as her. They form a friendship in this story about finding your voice, your own path, and your real friends.
This would have been rated higher since it was a great way to introduce and show kids the concept of synesthesia but Rosie's "best friend" Harper needs to be snatched up. She's supposed to be Rosie's friend but she's very pushy towards Roise and literally runs over her . It was Harper's idea to join the math club since that's what she wanted to do without Rosie's input. I know these are 11 year olds in the 6th grade but Harper literally bullies her and does something that should have gotten her kicked off the team and suspended from school but does not face any major consequences for her behavior. All the kids are just mean to Roise and Harper doesn’t defend her but literally edge it on.
As you can tell Roise was very shy at the beginning but found her voice at the end. Yara was one of the only kids that was kind to Rosie and was nice to see their friendship blossom. At the end of the story, it was actually a blessing in disguise that Rosie and Harper didn't have any classes together.
October 2, 2026
Maya Henderson’s graphic novel is filled with middle grade school-based friendship drama but adds a trait twist that drives much of the change between Rosie, her best Harper and budding friendship with new girl Yara.
Rosie and Harper have been friends for years but navigating not having any classes together, interests changing, and new friends and clubs cause a friction between them that they hope will be eased by being in the match club together. But in her role as team manager, Rosie comments about the colors used for letters in the team shirt not being right, she begins to realize that her strong connection between colors and things like letters, numbers and music are unique to her and that others do not understand. Friend Harper begins to display jealousy and flat out meanness towards Rosie which nudges her towards Yara, especially when she discovers that Yara completely understands Rosies unique sensory associations because she, too, experiences them. Armed with a name for this trait, synesthesia, Rosie begins to explore what it means for her and finds her relationship with Yara growing stronger and the separation between her and Harper growing larger.
Excellent graphic novel for those who can’t get enough of those by Hale, Telegemeier, Libenson, and Chmakova but with a unique phenomenon providing interesting and likely new information to readers. Highly recommended for grades 4-8. (Grade of main characters is left vague but their appearance and the structure of school and its extra-curricular clubs and teams imply from older elementary to jr high.)
*Profanity: none
*Violence: none
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Rosie and Yara are illustrated as Black and Harper as Caucasian. Other Math team members display various skin tones and diversity in clothing styles and body shapes is also present.
*LBGTQ+: none
Others middle grade books with main characters who exhibit synesthesia:
*The Color of Sound (Emily Isler)
*A Mango Shaped Space (Wendy Mass)
*1 + 1 = Blue (M. J. Such)
Rosie and Harper have been friends for years but navigating not having any classes together, interests changing, and new friends and clubs cause a friction between them that they hope will be eased by being in the match club together. But in her role as team manager, Rosie comments about the colors used for letters in the team shirt not being right, she begins to realize that her strong connection between colors and things like letters, numbers and music are unique to her and that others do not understand. Friend Harper begins to display jealousy and flat out meanness towards Rosie which nudges her towards Yara, especially when she discovers that Yara completely understands Rosies unique sensory associations because she, too, experiences them. Armed with a name for this trait, synesthesia, Rosie begins to explore what it means for her and finds her relationship with Yara growing stronger and the separation between her and Harper growing larger.
Excellent graphic novel for those who can’t get enough of those by Hale, Telegemeier, Libenson, and Chmakova but with a unique phenomenon providing interesting and likely new information to readers. Highly recommended for grades 4-8. (Grade of main characters is left vague but their appearance and the structure of school and its extra-curricular clubs and teams imply from older elementary to jr high.)
*Profanity: none
*Violence: none
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Rosie and Yara are illustrated as Black and Harper as Caucasian. Other Math team members display various skin tones and diversity in clothing styles and body shapes is also present.
*LBGTQ+: none
Others middle grade books with main characters who exhibit synesthesia:
*The Color of Sound (Emily Isler)
*A Mango Shaped Space (Wendy Mass)
*1 + 1 = Blue (M. J. Such)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review based on Advanced Reader Copy.
Rosie and her BFF Harper are starting 6th grade. Since they don’t have any classes together, they decide to take an entrance exam to join the after school math club (though Rosie would have preferred joining the art club). Even though Rosie aces the exam and gets a perfect score, she doesn’t make the team since she doesn’t show any of her work.
Harper convinces the math team’s advisor, Mr. Oliver, to offer Rosie the new position of math team assistant manager. When the team designs their club t-shirt, an awkward conversation happens when Rosie is surprised that the “letters and colors” don’t match what she envisions in her head. And what’s worse, instead of supporting her, her BFF Harper joins the rest of the team in teasing Rosie about it.
Luckily Rosie meets Yara, a new girl at school who loves art and playing instruments. After a rough incident in PE class, Yara explains to Rosie that she has synesthesia, “a special trait that causes your brain to make more connections than most people. It’s kind of like having more than five senses.” (ARC p 98).
Rosie is thrilled to put a name with what she experiences with letters, numbers and music, and is excited to share her newfound revelation with Harper. But when Harper lies to the math club and tells them that SHE has synesthesia too (and makes up lies about what she experiences), Rosie is devastated.
Friendship and self-discovery are typical middle grade themes that are visited. As an adult reader, I appreciated learning more about synesthesia (something I never knew about as a kid!) and all the different types and ways people can be affected through both the graphics and the back matter.
As a middle grade teacher, I absolutely could not stand Harper’s character, and was grateful to see Rosie make choices to do what was best for herself.
Publishing September 22, 2026.
Rosie and her BFF Harper are starting 6th grade. Since they don’t have any classes together, they decide to take an entrance exam to join the after school math club (though Rosie would have preferred joining the art club). Even though Rosie aces the exam and gets a perfect score, she doesn’t make the team since she doesn’t show any of her work.
Harper convinces the math team’s advisor, Mr. Oliver, to offer Rosie the new position of math team assistant manager. When the team designs their club t-shirt, an awkward conversation happens when Rosie is surprised that the “letters and colors” don’t match what she envisions in her head. And what’s worse, instead of supporting her, her BFF Harper joins the rest of the team in teasing Rosie about it.
Luckily Rosie meets Yara, a new girl at school who loves art and playing instruments. After a rough incident in PE class, Yara explains to Rosie that she has synesthesia, “a special trait that causes your brain to make more connections than most people. It’s kind of like having more than five senses.” (ARC p 98).
Rosie is thrilled to put a name with what she experiences with letters, numbers and music, and is excited to share her newfound revelation with Harper. But when Harper lies to the math club and tells them that SHE has synesthesia too (and makes up lies about what she experiences), Rosie is devastated.
Friendship and self-discovery are typical middle grade themes that are visited. As an adult reader, I appreciated learning more about synesthesia (something I never knew about as a kid!) and all the different types and ways people can be affected through both the graphics and the back matter.
As a middle grade teacher, I absolutely could not stand Harper’s character, and was grateful to see Rosie make choices to do what was best for herself.
Publishing September 22, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This graphic novel has vibrant art, a likable main character, and rare, accurate representation of synesthesia. The main character deals with tensions with her best friend, and she struggles with people at school not understanding her, but she makes a new friend who is loving and supportive. This new friend helps her discover that she's experiencing synesthesia.
Although this story is clean and doesn't have any mature content in it, parents should be aware that this book involves heavy topics related to a toxic friendship. A childhood best friend mocks the main character in front of other people, blames her for things that aren't her fault, takes credit for her ideas, and crosses obvious boundaries. Even though the main character repeatedly stands up for herself, nothing changes. Things escalate even further at the plot climax, and even though the toxic friend ends up apologizing, there's not enough of a reckoning for just how bad her behavior is.
Most of the characters in this story show bullying behaviors, and I wish that they had faced real consequences for this. Obviously, life doesn't always work that way. Still, the resolution at the end feels insufficient, since there's no real accountability.
This story will appeal to the target audience of kids in middle school and late elementary school, but parents of children who have suffered similarly from bullying and toxic friendships should know that this story might be triggering. This book can offer some good discussion opportunities about when it's worth it to keep persevering in a friendship or group, and when it's best to cut your losses and leave.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Although this story is clean and doesn't have any mature content in it, parents should be aware that this book involves heavy topics related to a toxic friendship. A childhood best friend mocks the main character in front of other people, blames her for things that aren't her fault, takes credit for her ideas, and crosses obvious boundaries. Even though the main character repeatedly stands up for herself, nothing changes. Things escalate even further at the plot climax, and even though the toxic friend ends up apologizing, there's not enough of a reckoning for just how bad her behavior is.
Most of the characters in this story show bullying behaviors, and I wish that they had faced real consequences for this. Obviously, life doesn't always work that way. Still, the resolution at the end feels insufficient, since there's no real accountability.
This story will appeal to the target audience of kids in middle school and late elementary school, but parents of children who have suffered similarly from bullying and toxic friendships should know that this story might be triggering. This book can offer some good discussion opportunities about when it's worth it to keep persevering in a friendship or group, and when it's best to cut your losses and leave.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 12, 2026
In middle school, Rosie joins math club because her bossy friend Harper wants to join. Rosie realizes that not everyone sees that numbers have colors. Rosie starts to have lunch in the band room with new friend Yara, who informs Rosie that she might have synesthesia. Rosie becomes math league manager because she did not show her work during the entrance test. Harper proves to not be a loyal friend: she claims that she herself has synesthesia, but with wild powers like predicting the future. Harper takes credit for suggesting the team make math cookies for a fundraiser. Harper steals the fundraising money because she is mad at Rosie, and lets everyone think that Rosie stole it. Rosie has a talk with Harper and realizes that they have grown apart. Rosie decides to join art club instead of math league so she can be with more supportive Yara.
Middle school is full of drama and Rosie finds her voice.
Middle school is full of drama and Rosie finds her voice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Sixth-grader Rosie thought that everyone could see colors for numbers and letters until a comment at the first meeting of her middle school math league group left her teammates confused. After making a new friend, Yara, Rosie learns that she has an ability called synesthesia that only a small percentage of the population has. As Rosie navigates a strained relationship with her best friend Harper, challenges with the math league, and getting to know Yara, can she learn to appreciate her unique gift?
A graphic novel is a perfect way to introduce the concept of synesthesia to middle grade readers. I liked the drawing style of the author. Harper was an on-the-nose example of “with friends like these, who needs enemies?”
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Sixth-grader Rosie thought that everyone could see colors for numbers and letters until a comment at the first meeting of her middle school math league group left her teammates confused. After making a new friend, Yara, Rosie learns that she has an ability called synesthesia that only a small percentage of the population has. As Rosie navigates a strained relationship with her best friend Harper, challenges with the math league, and getting to know Yara, can she learn to appreciate her unique gift?
A graphic novel is a perfect way to introduce the concept of synesthesia to middle grade readers. I liked the drawing style of the author. Harper was an on-the-nose example of “with friends like these, who needs enemies?”
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for this digital ARC.
I loved this story so much. I had never heard of Synethesia either but I've read other books where characters had some of the types (like being able to taste certain sounds, like people's voices). What a cool way to share this trait in a really great story. Rosie and Yara are both such great characters.
And there is so much to unpack with Rosie's friendship with Harper. I see these kinds of "friends" a lot in the graphic novels for this age group and as a mom of two girls, its a reminder that my kids are going to navigate challenging times in their friendships in the coming years and be ready to support them when they do.
I hope this author keeps making more books. She's incredibly talented!
I loved this story so much. I had never heard of Synethesia either but I've read other books where characters had some of the types (like being able to taste certain sounds, like people's voices). What a cool way to share this trait in a really great story. Rosie and Yara are both such great characters.
And there is so much to unpack with Rosie's friendship with Harper. I see these kinds of "friends" a lot in the graphic novels for this age group and as a mom of two girls, its a reminder that my kids are going to navigate challenging times in their friendships in the coming years and be ready to support them when they do.
I hope this author keeps making more books. She's incredibly talented!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Another solid Goodreads Giveaway win. This is a cute story for any kid with a special ability or unseen divergence. Most graphic novels go frame by frame with an occasional overlap for effect. In this text every page has an overlapping frame almost normalizing the effect. Neat stylistic choice considering our main characters experience synesthesia.
As an added bonus, I gave the book to my 10 year old for her opinion on it. She thought the subject matter was interesting and a very colorful story. She says that it gives you a lot more details than a most graphic novels and gave it a 4.5 (she doesn't know that Goodreads doesn't do halves).
As an added bonus, I gave the book to my 10 year old for her opinion on it. She thought the subject matter was interesting and a very colorful story. She says that it gives you a lot more details than a most graphic novels and gave it a 4.5 (she doesn't know that Goodreads doesn't do halves).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me the chance to read this book before its publication date.
This was book was a great way to introduce synesthesia and different ways people can experience it. At the same time, it did a convincing job relaying a common experience about how relationships, interests, and people can change, expand, and grow apart. The graphic novel format works perfectly for this story. I look forward to seeing more work from Maya Henderson (and more of Rosie’s story, if she wants to continue that).
This was book was a great way to introduce synesthesia and different ways people can experience it. At the same time, it did a convincing job relaying a common experience about how relationships, interests, and people can change, expand, and grow apart. The graphic novel format works perfectly for this story. I look forward to seeing more work from Maya Henderson (and more of Rosie’s story, if she wants to continue that).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Negalley for the advance copy of this graphic novel!
The only reason for a 4 star instead of a 5 star was how frustrated I was with Harper and the lack of consequences for kids being so unkind!!! It did work out in the end, and I loved the synesthesia representation across all the characters. This wasn't a topic I had seen covered in a kids' book before and I thought it was covered in a really fun way. The art was really cute, and I loved how the characters were depicted artistically.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The only reason for a 4 star instead of a 5 star was how frustrated I was with Harper and the lack of consequences for kids being so unkind!!! It did work out in the end, and I loved the synesthesia representation across all the characters. This wasn't a topic I had seen covered in a kids' book before and I thought it was covered in a really fun way. The art was really cute, and I loved how the characters were depicted artistically.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won an Advance Reading Copy of Brainbow by Maya Henderson from Goodreads.
Brainbow by Maya Henderson is an informative, fun to read Graphic Novel perfect for young readers. With colorful illustrations and characters that school aged readers will understand, Brainbow gently teaches readers about a specific condition, Synesthesia, while providing insight and lessons concerning honesty, compassion, and friendship. This engaging story for young readers is also a wonderful resource for parents and teachers.
Brainbow by Maya Henderson is an informative, fun to read Graphic Novel perfect for young readers. With colorful illustrations and characters that school aged readers will understand, Brainbow gently teaches readers about a specific condition, Synesthesia, while providing insight and lessons concerning honesty, compassion, and friendship. This engaging story for young readers is also a wonderful resource for parents and teachers.
October 3, 2026
Not only were all the illustrations amazing but it's such a great story too. I loved that the writing doesn't talk down to the readers about how people have differneces, learning to be opening to learning and undertsanding those differneces, learning that it's okay that friends sometimes grow apart as you get to know yourself while growing up, and also learning to stand up for yourself and voicing how you feel even if it's the opposite of what everyone else is feeling. You did such an amazing job, Maya and I can't wait to see what you do next!
October 13, 2026
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
This graphic novel deals with a girl, Rosie. who's dealing with a friendship that she is outgrowing and the ability to see colors with numbers, words and songs. Something she doesn't realize is unique to her and a few others in her world. I think this book handles the friendship, the making of a new friend and Rosie's unique ability well. I was deeply moved and so happy when Rosie found herself.
This graphic novel deals with a girl, Rosie. who's dealing with a friendship that she is outgrowing and the ability to see colors with numbers, words and songs. Something she doesn't realize is unique to her and a few others in her world. I think this book handles the friendship, the making of a new friend and Rosie's unique ability well. I was deeply moved and so happy when Rosie found herself.
October 6, 2026
What a fantastic graphic novel! I loved the idea of exploring this condition through these wonderful characters, and the colourful graphic novel format makes the story so engaging.
Fun, creative, and full of heart, this is one I can absolutely see kids LOVING and asking me for more! I feel like these characters could have a whole series :)
Fun, creative, and full of heart, this is one I can absolutely see kids LOVING and asking me for more! I feel like these characters could have a whole series :)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rosie can see music. And all numbers and letters have colors. But everyone can see those things, right? She finds out that's not the case when she joins an after school club with her friend and discovers she has Synesthesia.
I loved this so very much.
I loved this so very much.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A great young middle level read! A rather predictable plot but informational and would be great for SEL and DEIB learning in upper elementary or lower middle!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this engaging graphic novel for middle grade readers focusing on synesthesia, with important themes of friendship, honesty, and teamwork mixed in!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this debut middle grade graphic novel about two friends who discover they both have synesthesia - a sensory condition that allows some people to experience, music, numbers, letters and other things as colors.
The book does such a great job explaining how diverse this condition is and that there are multiple types of synesthesia. It was also a heartwarming female friendship story with beautiful illustrations.
Highly recommended for fans of other middle grade graphic novels featuring neurodiverse protagonists like Very bad at math or Mixed-up. Other great synesthesia books for young readers include Color of sound and Mango-shaped space.
Many thanks to HBG Canada for sending me an early physical copy in exchange for my honest review. You can grab this must-read today!
The book does such a great job explaining how diverse this condition is and that there are multiple types of synesthesia. It was also a heartwarming female friendship story with beautiful illustrations.
Highly recommended for fans of other middle grade graphic novels featuring neurodiverse protagonists like Very bad at math or Mixed-up. Other great synesthesia books for young readers include Color of sound and Mango-shaped space.
Many thanks to HBG Canada for sending me an early physical copy in exchange for my honest review. You can grab this must-read today!
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