What do you think?
Rate this book
Goth Unicorn
Not yet published
Expected 18 Feb 27A funny, heartwarming graphic novel exploring the difficulties of school friendships, perfect for fans of Roller Girl and Dork Diaries!
Meet Fiona - she's not your average pink and sparkly unicorn. . .
When Fiona's best (and only. . .) friend moves to another school, she finds herself feeling incredibly lonely and has to learn how to make new friends. . . who may not have her best interests at heart. As she grows up and makes some truly wonderful friends, she realises that good people will lift you up and be proud of what makes you different.
Goth Unicorn is a true celebration of what makes us all unique and gently handles themes of anxiety and finding your own voice. Including important messages around the value of authentic friendships and staying true to yourself despite how difficult it might feel, this is an important reminder of how sometimes life doesn't pan out quite how you want - but that's okay, and sometimes things might turn out even better than you could have imagined. . .
Meet Fiona - she's not your average pink and sparkly unicorn. . .
When Fiona's best (and only. . .) friend moves to another school, she finds herself feeling incredibly lonely and has to learn how to make new friends. . . who may not have her best interests at heart. As she grows up and makes some truly wonderful friends, she realises that good people will lift you up and be proud of what makes you different.
Goth Unicorn is a true celebration of what makes us all unique and gently handles themes of anxiety and finding your own voice. Including important messages around the value of authentic friendships and staying true to yourself despite how difficult it might feel, this is an important reminder of how sometimes life doesn't pan out quite how you want - but that's okay, and sometimes things might turn out even better than you could have imagined. . .
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 18, 2027
About the author
Ashley Spires
57 books225 followersAshley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 2, 2026
Wow. I can’t believe I ugly cried at a graphic novel called Goth Unicorn.
This is a middle grade graphic novel that perfectly encapsulates the middle school experience. Our main character, a unicorn named Fiona, has struggles with friends and bullying. Through it all, she relies on her family and finds a new herd that not only accepts her for who she is but loves her for who she is. An incredible masterclass of a graphic novel about being yourself, even in times of bullying and disrespect. 5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Goth Unicorn.
This is a middle grade graphic novel that perfectly encapsulates the middle school experience. Our main character, a unicorn named Fiona, has struggles with friends and bullying. Through it all, she relies on her family and finds a new herd that not only accepts her for who she is but loves her for who she is. An incredible masterclass of a graphic novel about being yourself, even in times of bullying and disrespect. 5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Goth Unicorn.
September 3, 2026
I LOVED THIS. oh my gosh. Talk about cute with an important meaning. This book perfectly sums up the experience of middle school for so many people. Cannot recommend this enough!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The moment I saw the cover of this graphic novel, I knew I was going to love it. And I was right. This is the perfect graphic novel for ages 10-15 imo. It perfectly covers how being a pre teen is full of drama, bullying, trying to fit in and trying to find yourself. I went through it and my kids are/have gone through it. Fi tackles bullying while tackling the obstacles of finding herself and friends who like her for exactly who she is. Highly recommend.
Thank you netgalley for this amazing arc
Thank you netgalley for this amazing arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ashley Spires won me over when she wrote the first book about Binky the Space Cat, and I have tended to enjoy all of her stories, irrespective of their target audience. Goth Unicorn is definitely targeted to the older elementary and middle school set, and it works for that. It's about a unicorn who doesn't quite fit in at school, finding her place and also becoming independent. I think there is a lot in this that also resonates with Spires herself as Fiona is also an artist who enjoys graphic novels and comics and is dabbling in creating her own. Her best friend moves away, and when that happens, she has a hard time finding a friend group where she can be herself or where she is accepted. When she does anything to be independent, she is mocked or bullied but eventually she does find a way to let her unicorn shine through. Ironically, she does that by going goth, but it does paint a fun picture of that person in class who may be goth or just a little different. And Spires does a good job of showing Fiona's flaws as well as her strengths.
All in all, the story moves well, the artwork is consistent with what I have come to expect of Spires, and it is an enjoyable graphic novel overall. Maybe not a Binky level awesome, but certainly awesome for the lessons it teaches and the validation it gives someone who may not have found their perfect match. Yet.
All in all, the story moves well, the artwork is consistent with what I have come to expect of Spires, and it is an enjoyable graphic novel overall. Maybe not a Binky level awesome, but certainly awesome for the lessons it teaches and the validation it gives someone who may not have found their perfect match. Yet.
September 2, 2026
This is an adorable coming of age story with Fiona — overlooked, often ignored, and with the self-confidence of a noodle — finding herself through self-expression and art. Like so many people, she tries to fit in, to be accepted by everyone else only to realize that doing so means she has to give up the parts of herself she likes: her favorite show, her favorite comic book, her own thoughts.
Pressured to like a boy just to fit in, bullied by a friend who wants Fiona to be who she wants her to be, Fiona makes a break for it. She dyes her hair, wears clothes because she wants to, not because they’re fashionable or cool, and makes friends who like her for who she is as a person. It doesn’t stop the bullying, but it does make it easier, knowing she did nothing wrong. Her parents are wonderful and supportive, and so is her art teacher. Fiona isn’t alone anymore, and now she can be there for other people.
This is just cute. The art, the characters, all of it. And if I were in Middle School, I probably would have loved this book — not just for the unicorn, but for the story, too. Well worth the read! Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy!
As a goth who found their weirdness in middle school, I FEEL SO SEEN. Apparently, all it took was a unicorn with an identity crisis and excellent musical potential.
Goth Unicorn captures that painfully familiar experience of wanting to belong while slowly realizing how exhausting it is to perform a version of yourself that other people find acceptable. Fiona is figuring out her style, her art, and where she fits after her best friend moves away, and I felt so much affection for her throughout that process. Middle school is a lot. Even with a horn.
I loved the connection between creativity and self-expression, and how finding your people can give you room to grow into yourself. There is something incredibly meaningful about being accepted without having to edit out all your favorite parts. The weirdness gets to stay. In fact, the weirdness can be where the connection starts.
This is funny, heartfelt, and such a wonderful graphic novel for kids trying to find their place. As a librarian, I’m excited to recommend it. As a grown up goth, I would like to send a copy back in time.
As a goth who found their weirdness in middle school, I FEEL SO SEEN. Apparently, all it took was a unicorn with an identity crisis and excellent musical potential.
Goth Unicorn captures that painfully familiar experience of wanting to belong while slowly realizing how exhausting it is to perform a version of yourself that other people find acceptable. Fiona is figuring out her style, her art, and where she fits after her best friend moves away, and I felt so much affection for her throughout that process. Middle school is a lot. Even with a horn.
I loved the connection between creativity and self-expression, and how finding your people can give you room to grow into yourself. There is something incredibly meaningful about being accepted without having to edit out all your favorite parts. The weirdness gets to stay. In fact, the weirdness can be where the connection starts.
This is funny, heartfelt, and such a wonderful graphic novel for kids trying to find their place. As a librarian, I’m excited to recommend it. As a grown up goth, I would like to send a copy back in time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely LOVED this book. Just like the author, this felt exactly like my experience in middle school, all the way down to having my own version of Pookles for comfort. I really connected to Fiona as she navigated through figuring out who were her true friends, discovering her sense of style, and trying to deal with bullies. Her parents were amazingly supportive and it felt like they always knew exactly what to say. One of my favorite things Fiona's mom says is when Fiona asks her, "Why are friends so hard?" and she responds with, "The good ones aren't. You just have to be yourself." I know now as an adult that this is true, but it's something my mom would have said when I was younger that I would have rolled my eyes to, like Fiona. I think this book could be eye-opening for some kids who might be experiencing similar things and not realize that they're dealing with bullies. If I had read this when I was younger, I would have found comfort in knowing that things worked out for Fiona in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As someone who loves horror and sparkles, Goth Unicorn sounded right up my alley, and I couldn't be happier that I picked this one up. Fiona's story of self-discovery and not fitting in was painfully relatable at times, and that partially comes from the fact that Spires stated that a lot of this story was autobiographical. She perfectly captures what it felt like to be a middle schooler who wasn't sure how she wanted to present herself and didn't know who her real friends were. The art style is fun and inviting, and I loved all of the comics and drawings that Fiona and her real friends drew together. This is definitely a must read for middle schoolers (and adults like me who love goth unicorns)!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This graphic novel follows a unicorn's experiences dealing with challenges in middle school. Fiona deals with friendship challenges that are common for her age group, and she begins to explore new interests and new forms of self-expression, going goth partway through the book. She struggles with identity challenges and the judgments of others, and there is a major storyline related to bullying.
This story will be relatable for many kids, regardless whether or not they identify with the goth aesthetic. Many adults will enjoy this book as well, as they look back on their own childhoods.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This graphic novel follows a unicorn's experiences dealing with challenges in middle school. Fiona deals with friendship challenges that are common for her age group, and she begins to explore new interests and new forms of self-expression, going goth partway through the book. She struggles with identity challenges and the judgments of others, and there is a major storyline related to bullying.
This story will be relatable for many kids, regardless whether or not they identify with the goth aesthetic. Many adults will enjoy this book as well, as they look back on their own childhoods.
I received a temporary digital copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader's copy of Goth Unicorn.
This had me tearing up! Fiona begins middle school, but after her best friend moves away, she has a hard time making new friends and fitting in with her peers. Many of her peers are cruel and bully Fiona for being herself. The bullying is what leads to her to change her style and embrace who she is and becomes GOTH UNICORN. Through this, and her love of art, she finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is and shares the same interests. Sad and heartwarming - I think many middle schoolers will relate to Fiona and her friends. They will also love the art style! Great addition to your graphic novel collection! I can't wait to order it for my library.
This had me tearing up! Fiona begins middle school, but after her best friend moves away, she has a hard time making new friends and fitting in with her peers. Many of her peers are cruel and bully Fiona for being herself. The bullying is what leads to her to change her style and embrace who she is and becomes GOTH UNICORN. Through this, and her love of art, she finds a group of friends who accept her for who she is and shares the same interests. Sad and heartwarming - I think many middle schoolers will relate to Fiona and her friends. They will also love the art style! Great addition to your graphic novel collection! I can't wait to order it for my library.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley ARC
I loved this one so much! I got a little misty because this was definitely something I found very relatable from my middle school days. Sometimes it takes a while to find your people, but when it happens, it is a sort of magic all its own. Middle school is probably one of the rougher K-12 seasons - so much about you is in flux and then to add the pressures of trying to find your place in it all - totally hard! I think that seeing Fiona navigate this would be a boon to any middle grade reader who is trying to figure things out, that bullies are just that, bullies - and they come in many shapes and forms. Being different is never a bad thing - it's what makes you unique and that's a beautiful thing. The messages in this book are just great. A++
I loved this one so much! I got a little misty because this was definitely something I found very relatable from my middle school days. Sometimes it takes a while to find your people, but when it happens, it is a sort of magic all its own. Middle school is probably one of the rougher K-12 seasons - so much about you is in flux and then to add the pressures of trying to find your place in it all - totally hard! I think that seeing Fiona navigate this would be a boon to any middle grade reader who is trying to figure things out, that bullies are just that, bullies - and they come in many shapes and forms. Being different is never a bad thing - it's what makes you unique and that's a beautiful thing. The messages in this book are just great. A++
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of Goth Unicorn!
Oh, my heart, I loved this so much. I was homeschooled, so didn't go through everything Fiona did, but I was the little emo at homeschool co-op who only had a handful of friends who got it. I WISH my parents (who I love dearly) had responded even close to the way Fiona's did in this book. Standing up to the principal like that?! INCREDIBLE. And their full support of Fiona's fashion alterations made me weepy. I love that she found her herd by the end. I am so excited for this one to come out so I can add it to my staff picks at the library.
I was given an advance copy of Goth Unicorn in exchange for my honest opinion.
Oh, my heart, I loved this so much. I was homeschooled, so didn't go through everything Fiona did, but I was the little emo at homeschool co-op who only had a handful of friends who got it. I WISH my parents (who I love dearly) had responded even close to the way Fiona's did in this book. Standing up to the principal like that?! INCREDIBLE. And their full support of Fiona's fashion alterations made me weepy. I love that she found her herd by the end. I am so excited for this one to come out so I can add it to my staff picks at the library.
I was given an advance copy of Goth Unicorn in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, Ashley Spires, and Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Although I am definitely too old for this book, as a mom, and former “weird” kid, I loved this story. I experienced a traumatic event when I was in middle school and I feel like it made me dark and made me feel different and alone. Having one teacher who made me feel seen made all the difference. Having some friends through the bullying made all the difference. I would and will definitely recommend this story to people, especially those with children in middle school. Beautiful artwork too!
Although I am definitely too old for this book, as a mom, and former “weird” kid, I loved this story. I experienced a traumatic event when I was in middle school and I feel like it made me dark and made me feel different and alone. Having one teacher who made me feel seen made all the difference. Having some friends through the bullying made all the difference. I would and will definitely recommend this story to people, especially those with children in middle school. Beautiful artwork too!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved how relatable Goth Unicorn was to the real middle school experience. It captured the struggles of trying to figure out who you are, wanting to fit in, and feeling different from everyone else. What I appreciated most was that the story didn’t villainize dressing differently or make being unique seem like something that needed to be fixed. Instead, she found people who accepted her for who she was and learned to accept herself along the way. I loved the message that you don’t have to change who you are to find your people. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is embrace what makes you different and let the right people love you for it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
This is a book I would have LOVED as a middle schooler or a high schooler. The art is so good and cute and I love the characters. The message about being yourself is so good and I really needed someone to tell me that when I was a kiddo. My complaints are so few and far between they don’t matter (I share a name with a character and that made me feel weird so that won’t affect anyone who doesn’t share my name haha)
Overall an incredible graphic novel. Definitely want to get myself a physical copy 🥰
This is a book I would have LOVED as a middle schooler or a high schooler. The art is so good and cute and I love the characters. The message about being yourself is so good and I really needed someone to tell me that when I was a kiddo. My complaints are so few and far between they don’t matter (I share a name with a character and that made me feel weird so that won’t affect anyone who doesn’t share my name haha)
Overall an incredible graphic novel. Definitely want to get myself a physical copy 🥰
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
-I received this book from NetGalley-
Absolutely wonderful book! Ashley's artwork has been a favorite of mine since Small Saul, I love that she is getting into graphic novels now!
The book is so relatable, to anyone going through middle school, or just navigating friends.
I like how it takes familiar situations, but breaks them down to help the reader (and Fi) to work through them, instead of just telling you the answer.
I also like that the adults step in and help, and not just let the kids deal with it on their own. Good adults will always be there to support!
Absolutely wonderful book! Ashley's artwork has been a favorite of mine since Small Saul, I love that she is getting into graphic novels now!
The book is so relatable, to anyone going through middle school, or just navigating friends.
I like how it takes familiar situations, but breaks them down to help the reader (and Fi) to work through them, instead of just telling you the answer.
I also like that the adults step in and help, and not just let the kids deal with it on their own. Good adults will always be there to support!
October 30, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy at my local library! Thank you!
I loved this book about not fitting in and trying to find your people in middle school. Spires’ book perfectly captures the feelings of being a “weird” kid that is constantly judged and bullied. My heart broke for Fiona, but I also cheered when she finally found her group of friends that accepted her for who she is. The mythical creatures added a fun touch to the book and the artwork is delightful. I’ll be keeping this around for my daughters to read when they’re older!
I loved this book about not fitting in and trying to find your people in middle school. Spires’ book perfectly captures the feelings of being a “weird” kid that is constantly judged and bullied. My heart broke for Fiona, but I also cheered when she finally found her group of friends that accepted her for who she is. The mythical creatures added a fun touch to the book and the artwork is delightful. I’ll be keeping this around for my daughters to read when they’re older!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to thank Net-Galley for an E-ARC.
4.5⭐'s
I loved this story. The only reason it wasn't a 5 is because I wanted more. However for the age range I think it teaches a great lesson. Not just to stand up for yourself, but to accept the situation and make the best out of it. If your kid is having trouble with friends this will help. If you are having a hard time helping your kid, I think there are things here. I couldn't recommend Goth Unicorn more.
4.5⭐'s
I loved this story. The only reason it wasn't a 5 is because I wanted more. However for the age range I think it teaches a great lesson. Not just to stand up for yourself, but to accept the situation and make the best out of it. If your kid is having trouble with friends this will help. If you are having a hard time helping your kid, I think there are things here. I couldn't recommend Goth Unicorn more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great little comic for a coming of age and understanding that being different isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Only thing I was bummed out about was the Fiona didn’t get her justice or that the bullies made learned a lesson, otherwise I think it’s a great graphic novel for kids in middle school learning who they are and finding their voice.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cute graphic novel! The story was sweet and encouraging, and you could tell it was based in Spires' real experiences through how much care was brought to it. I loved that it was very inclusive and had subtle representation for the LGBT+ community. A wonderful read!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!
October 7, 2026
This tween/teen graphic novel will be released on March 9, 2027, I was able to read an advance reader’s copy thanks to Edelweiss. I wish I had been able to read this book back in middle school, I would have *absolutely* seen my own experience in it. Instead, I strongly recommend it for any young person who feels a bit on the fringe.
October 10, 2026
This book shares a story similar to what many teenagers experience- painful changes in friendship dynamics and the complications of wanting to be yourself but realizing a lot of people aren't kind to those that don't fit in. This story is sweet and hopeful, and I love the use of cryptid and fantasy characters for this story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Goth Unicorn is a wonderful comic book about self-acceptance and finding people who like you for who you are. It has a really important message woven in about how important it can be to find a few people who lift you up instead of struggling to be liked by everyone. It's the perfect reader for middle grade and high schoolers. And it's adorable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A really sweet graphic novel about a unicorn who goes from being different and isolated to a bit lost to bullied by peers but supported by two great new friends and some terrific adults. I really liked Fiona's resilience and spirit and I'm so glad she found her people.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so well done! I love that Fiona decides to be herself and that her parents are so supportive. I also love the representation of friendship and seeing how important teachers are. I think that middle schoolers will love it! I enjoyed this a lot!
ARC received from Netgalley.
ARC received from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book does a great job of showing the experience of being in middle school. Friends move. Finding yourself is hard. Bullying sucks. I love that Spires uses paranormal creatures as everyday people. A unicorn can just be without farting rainbow cupcakes. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2026
This graphic novel made my black little heart sing with glee! As a former goth kid I really enjoyed the themes of self-identity and being loved for who you are.
September 30, 2026
This is the kind of book I wish had existed when I was in seventh grade.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off I want to thank the ARC for letting me get this book early! This was a cute book for younger kids between the 8-12. Its a good for anyone that doesn't feel like they fit in!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Goth unicorn is a whimsical good time. We greatly enjoyed this story about finding your tribe of friends, that accept for who really are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews