A photo of a book cover next to a photo of a man's face. The book cover has an illustration of the silhouette of a person looking throuhg a telesope. Yellow test reads \"THE GREAT COOL RANCH DORITO IN THE SKY\" and white text reads \"JOSH GALARZA\"
MFA student Josh Galarza’s debut book has been named a finalist for this year’s National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. (Photo contributed by Josh Galarza)

Oct. 1, 2024

‘The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,’ by VCU student Josh Galarza, named National Book Award finalist

Galarza’s debut novel is one of five finalists for the 2024 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

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By Brian McNeill

“The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,” the debut novel by Josh Galarza, a student in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University, has been named a 2024 National Book Awards finalist.

Galarza’s novel, which tells the story of Brett, who is forced to confront his deepest insecurities after his journal goes viral on social media, on Tuesday was announced as one of five finalists in the awards’ Young People’s Literature category.

“As an artist, I’m especially gratified by this recognition because the panelists who jury the National Book Award are fellow writers. It means the world that some of the best in my discipline appreciate the care and mindfulness that goes into my craft, and that they value the messages — regarding body liberation, healthy masculinity and the healing power of creativity — that undergird this story,” Galarza said. “I’m so grateful to the panelists and to the National Book Foundation for amplifying these messages so they might reach more readers in need. My heart is full of wonder today.”

The National Book Foundation will announce the winners on Nov. 20.

Galarza’s book will be the focus of two upcoming events at VCU.

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Galarza will join Annie Haynos, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, for “The Many Faces of Disordered Eating,” which will explore the manifestations of disordered eating and the pathways to recovery. Shannan Green, M.D., director of VCU University Student Health Services, will moderate the discussion. It will be held in room 202 of the STEM Building, 817 W. Franklin St. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/3Tm6hHZ.

And at noon on Oct. 7, Galarza will discuss his journey during a virtual Meet VCU Authors talk, “Writing Pathways Out of Patriarchy: The Creative Research Behind ‘The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,’” hosted by the Humanities Research Center.