Shampoo Unicorn

Ages 14 And Up, Grades 9 And Up

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.

About the Author

Sawyer Lovett is a trans writer living just outside of Philadelphia by way of Tazewell, VA. He's a graduate of the Rosemont College MFA program and the human parent to two chaotic rescue dogs. He is an accomplished balloon twister, a pretty good barista, and an occasional bookseller.

Author Residence: Philadelphia, PA

Author Hometown: Tazewell, VA