False Face - by Josh Galarza (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"A tour de force." --SLJ, starred review

From National Book Award Finalist Josh Galarza comes a moving new young adult novel full of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Rusty is positive Todd with two D's is a figment of his troubled mind. That's the only explanation for why he breaks into musical numbers and lurks in the school bleachers to stare unabashedly at Burt, the cutest guy in school. But when Todd's antics go a little too far, Rusty quickly finds himself in a dangerous situation. Little does Rusty know, the boy he's head over heels for just might be the one to save his life.

By day, Burt Espinoza is the only out kid in school who's ever maintained his social status. But by night, he is a real hero: a secret agent rescuing vulnerable queer kids in danger. His handlers (also his adoptive moms) are concerned he's pushing himself too hard to be the man he thinks he needs to be. Now Burt has to prove that he's ready for his biggest mission yet: saving the only boy he's ever hurt.

Raw, surreal, and timely, this novel is perfect for fans of Rex Ogle and Randy Ribay.

Review Quotes

"False Face is a wild, exhilarating read about the masks we present to the world and the identities we keep hidden, and what happens when those parts of ourselves come into conflict. An important book for teens and adults everywhere that beautifully illustrates the power of being true to ourselves--and how such integrity can save our lives." --Lambda Literary Award Finalist and Stonewall Honor Recipient SJ Sindu, author of Tall Water, an Asian Pacific American Award Honor Book

"From National Book Award finalist Galarza comes a surreal work in which musical montages meet action sequences to examine conversion therapy, sexual assault, and queerness in 1990s Iowa . . . a memorable and emotionally fulfilling romp." --Publishers Weekly

Praise for The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky:
A National Book Award Finalist
A Kids Indie Next List Selection
An Indies Introduce Selection
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Windows and Mirrors Shortlist Selection

*"Brett's quirky voice . . . tempers this funny yet bruising narrative about one teen's experience with grief and disordered eating in which debut author Galarza carefully touches on issues surrounding underage drinking, body dysmorphia, and internalized anti-fatness." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "It cannot be overstated how important Brett's story is for those who need to hear it, a possible lifeline for those in need of reassurance that their experiences aren't as uncommon as they may think." - School Library Journal, starred review

"A moving, funny story expressing the tenacious voice of a survivor." - Kirkus Reviews

"The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky offers a raw yet relatable portrayal of a teen's journey toward self-acceptance that balances humor and vulnerability to explore Brett's internal battles with disordered eating and grief. Josh Galarza expertly crafts a moving and emotional story of one teen's struggle with loss, identity, and body dysmorphia, while surrounded by a well-drawn cast of supporting characters, that is ultimately heartbreaking, uplifting, and not afraid to risk excess." - National Book Award Committee

About the Author

Josh Galarza is the author of The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky, a National Book Award finalist. After a career in Montessori education, he earned a BA in English and BFA in art from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he later taught printmaking and a MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Josh now lives in his beloved northern Nevada, where dreams can (and do!) come true.