A Memoir for Young White Men
About The Book
Unicorns: A Memoir for Young White Men is a 4-part series intended to help nurture healthy belonging and create positive social impact.
In Unicorns, Jason Biehl traces his journey from nine years at an all boys prep school in Washington, D.C. to a life shaped by discomfort, heartbreak, healing, and transformation. Through honest storytelling and striking illustrations by Zawadi Noel, this four part graphic memoir explores the fears, insecurities, and questions that shape young men and the possibilities that emerge when those experiences are examined with courage.
Often called "a unicorn" by Black people and people of color, Jason reflects on a path that has been both affirming and painful. Rooted in lived experience, Unicorns is a deeply personal story about identity, belonging, and growth. While grounded in one person's journey, it invites readers of all backgrounds to consider how we become who we are and what becomes possible when we choose transformation over fear.
Hear Directly From Jason
Unicorns began as a personal journey, but its themes invite broader reflection and dialogue. These videos offer another way to engage with the story and the questions at its heart.
Book One Reviews
"On Discomfort is a teaching tool. The combination of imagery and words evocatively conveys a young white boy's journey through social expectations and toward racial awareness. Each moment illustrated is worthy of discussion and reflection and can help youth find connection to their own lives.
Although every person will have their own unique experiences, the way this book reveals common patterns undercuts the sense of being alone or at fault for not knowing what to do in confusing moments. Making sense of the role race plays in our lives is challenging; sharing reactions and hopes for how things can be different can help youth consider what they want for their own future."
— Shelly Tochluk, Ph.D. Co-author of Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life and Witnessing Whiteness
“I loved the book. Intimate and enlightening. I think especially for folks who are in the early stages of understanding white masculinity. Really appreciate the work. I definitely saw myself in a number of scenarios.”
— Jake Fahey
“We live in a culture that teaches young white people that denial, ignorance and reinterpretation are the proper white response to racist events, racist history, and racist interpersonal experiences. This leaves them uninformed about racism and unprepared to understand and respond effectively to racial incidents. “Unicorns” is a personal and intimate account of the author’s journey as a young adult from ignorance to understanding and from confusion and shame to active response. Unicorn’s sensitive illustrations and straightforward story line support the adolescent reader’s growth from discomfort to dawning understanding to empowered and courageous activism for racial justice. Highly recommended.”
— Paul Kivel, educator, activist and author of Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice www.paulkivel.com
“Well done! Great examples of discomfort–relevant and relatable. The storytelling strategy is much like actual memory, nonlinear. And it kept me paying attention. Look forward to the next one.”
— Steven Joiner
The Four Book Journey
Book One: On Discomfort
A graphic memoir exploring the discomfort, fears, and experiences that shaped Jason's journey toward greater awareness and personal transformation.
Book Two: On Heartbreak
A reflection on loss, relationships, and the moments that challenge us, change us, and deepen our understanding of ourselves.
Book Three: On Grief and Joy
Coming Soon
Book Four: On Love and Belonging
Coming Soon
