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False Face
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From National Book Award Finalist Josh Galarza comes a moving new YA 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 reason he breaks into musical numbers and lurks in the school bleachers so he can stare unabashedly at Burt, the cutest guy in school. But when Todd's antics go a little too far, and 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 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 saving the only boy he's ever hurt.
Raw, surreal, and timely, this novel is perfect for fans of Rex Ogle and Randy Ribay.
Rusty is positive Todd with two D's is a figment of his troubled mind. That’s the only reason he breaks into musical numbers and lurks in the school bleachers so he can stare unabashedly at Burt, the cutest guy in school. But when Todd's antics go a little too far, and 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 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 saving the only boy he's ever hurt.
Raw, surreal, and timely, this novel is perfect for fans of Rex Ogle and Randy Ribay.
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Josh Galarza
2 books38 followersJosh Galarza writes fiction and creative nonfiction and is a multidisciplinary visual artist specializing in printmaking, book arts, and sculpture. His debut novel, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky, was a finalist for the National Book Award and winner of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University, a BFA in art from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a BA in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. He lives in Northern Nevada and is the three-time reigning world champion of extreme trampoline air-drumming, a sport he invented himself.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 1, 2026
False Face is a special book, set in 1999. It feels a bit like The Long Run with speculative and Superman elements. It’s hard, raw, harsh, and pretty dark at times, but it also made me laugh out loud.
It’s a story about two boys, told through three POVs. Russell tries to be quiet and obedient for his God-loving parents, especially his dad, so he keeps his other self, Todd with a double d, locked away. Todd is the part of him who likes boys, loves musicals and singing, and is far more outgoing. Russell keeps him hidden, even chained in his l cell, but sometimes Todd pushes through and makes Russell do things he’d never dare to do. Todd also has some magical abilities, which means people often forget what happens when he takes over. And Todd likes another boy: Burt.
Burt is the only out kid at school and the only one socially accepted. He lives with his foster moms (the Momperatives) and secretly rescues queer kids from conversion camps at night, like a secret agent, but he carries a secret from his past.
Even though the story is funny at times funny, it’s not for the faint of heart. It deals with super Christian parents, abuse, and conversion camps, so please check out the trigger warnings.
I really loved reading False Face, and isn’t the cover gorgeous? And if you loved The Long Run and love speculative elements or a bit of a Superman or Mission Impossible vibe, then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Book Group and NetGalley, for this surprising ARC!
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It’s a story about two boys, told through three POVs. Russell tries to be quiet and obedient for his God-loving parents, especially his dad, so he keeps his other self, Todd with a double d, locked away. Todd is the part of him who likes boys, loves musicals and singing, and is far more outgoing. Russell keeps him hidden, even chained in his l cell, but sometimes Todd pushes through and makes Russell do things he’d never dare to do. Todd also has some magical abilities, which means people often forget what happens when he takes over. And Todd likes another boy: Burt.
Burt is the only out kid at school and the only one socially accepted. He lives with his foster moms (the Momperatives) and secretly rescues queer kids from conversion camps at night, like a secret agent, but he carries a secret from his past.
Even though the story is funny at times funny, it’s not for the faint of heart. It deals with super Christian parents, abuse, and conversion camps, so please check out the trigger warnings.
I really loved reading False Face, and isn’t the cover gorgeous? And if you loved The Long Run and love speculative elements or a bit of a Superman or Mission Impossible vibe, then I highly recommend this book.
Thank you, Macmillan Children’s Book Group and NetGalley, for this surprising ARC!
Follow me on Instagram
Displaying 1 of 1 review