The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky - by Josh Galarza

Book Synopsis

A National Book Award Finalist! A Kids Indies Introduce/Next List Selection!

Perfect for fans of Mark Oshiro and Adam Silvera comes a fiercely funny and hopeful story of one boy's attempts to keep everything under control while life has other plans.

Ever since cancer invaded his adoptive mother's life, Brett feels like he's losing everything, most of all control. To cope, Brett fuels all of his anxieties into epic fantasies, including his intergalactic Kid Condor comic book series, which features food constellations and characters not unlike those in his own life.

But lately Brett's grip on reality has started to lose its hold. The fictions he's been telling himself - about his unattractive body, the feeling that he's a burden to his best friend, that he's too messed up to be loved - have consumed him completely, and Brett will do anything to forget about the cosmic-sized hole in his chest, even if it's unhealthy.

But when Brett's journal and deepest insecurities are posted online for the whole school to see, Brett realizes he can no longer avoid the painful truths of his real-life narrative. As his eating disorder escalates, Brett must be honest with the people closest to him, including his new and fierce friend Mallory who seems to know more about Brett's issues than he does. With their support, he just might find the courage to face the toughest reality of all.

Review Quotes

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 a writer, printmaker and book artist from Northern Nevada. 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. He currently lives in Richmond, VA, where he teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University while completing an MFA in creative writing. His heart's home will always be the Sonoran Desert, and he is the three-time reigning world champion of extreme trampoline air-drumming, a sport he invented himself.