VCU creative writing student Josh Galarza’s debut novel longlisted for National Book Award for Young People’s Literature

By Sian Wilkerson

"The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky," the debut novel from Virginia Commonwealth University MFA candidate Josh Galarza, is among 10 works longlisted for this year's National Book Award for Young People's Literature.

Galarza, who is in his third year of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program, wanted to bring authenticity to a work imbued with elements of his identity and life story. "The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky," published by Henry Holt and Company, tells the story of Brett, who is forced to confront his deepest insecurities after his journal goes viral on social media.

The National Book Foundation will announce finalists for the award on Oct. 1, and the winner will be announced Nov. 20.

"This recognition from the National Book Foundation is thrilling and validating for me as an artist," Galarza said. "Being in the company of such powerful books by similarly bold authors is a welcome reminder that I have never been alone in my belief in children and their capacity to change the world through their innate sense of justice, boundless curiosity and expansive imaginations."

He added, "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to the National Book Foundation, the judging panelists and the incredible people in my life who shaped me and this story in ways both small and profound. Special tips of the hat to my editor, Jess Harold; my agent, David Dunton; and my beloved writers' community here at VCU, who make every day a joy."

"The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky" has been recognized by the American Booksellers Association on its Indies Introduce and Kids' Indie Next lists, was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and was named a Best July Book for Young Readers by Kirkus Reviews. It also received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly.

SJ Sindu, Ph.D., an assistant professor of creative writing in the Department of English in VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences, called Galarza an extremely talented writer whose debut work gave her everything she looks for in a novel.

"This is a riveting read," she said. "Josh writes the way a precision driver handles a vehicle, and I can't wait to see where his career leads."

Next month, Galarza will put his work into focus during two on-campus events.

On Oct. 2, he will join Annie Haynos, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, for "The Many Faces of Disordered Eating," part of the Uncommon Connections series. The event will explore the manifestations of disordered eating and the pathways to recovery, as well as the intersection of scientific research and creative expression.

On Oct. 7, Galarza will discuss his journey during a Meet VCU Authors talk with the Humanities Research Center.

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