Like a Rainbow

"A love song to Lauper and to tenacious oddballs everywhere." -- Kirkus * 1/15/26 *
"A vibrant, energetic biography, this book celebrates individuality, creativity, and advocacy, making it a must-have for elementary collections and fans of inspirational real-life stories." -- School Library Journal * 3/20/26 *
"The open-minded individualism of singer and songwriter Cyndi Lauper sparkles in Guglielmo and Tourville’s openhearted account of the musician’s road to stardom...Combining textures and pointillist backgrounds, Barrager’s inky vignettes have a rainbow-toned pop art vibe that establishes Lauper’s fun-loving punk-like aesthetic." -- Publishers Weekly * 2/9/26 *
"The art is ultimately the star here; Lauper’s flamboyant style and creative flair has always been part of her appeal, and that is best presented with an explosion of colors and movement, a chaos that is rooted in a visual declaration of individuality, joy, and inclusion. The story does important work too, however, explaining that some kinds of brilliance are often misunderstood or unappreciated, particularly in children. Just as Cyndi was saved by finding good to hold on to in a harsh world, kids who seek out her videos and music may find the same comfort." -- BCCB * April 2026 *
"The upbeat text occasionally references her lyrics, while Barrager’s illustrations are appropriately bright, bold, and layered; young Cyndi’s changing hair color and footwear as the book progresses hint at her iconic style. The story ends with Lauper’s achievement of musical success, and an author’s note provides additional details about her life, activism, and greatest hits." -- Horn Book Magazine * April 2026 *