Books › The Boy Who Lost His Face
The Boy Who Lost His Face
217 pages
A quirky, empathetic exploration of middle school awkwardness, where a literal curse forces a boy to figure out who he actually wants to be.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like navigating the agonizing, hilarious minefield of middle school, but with a surreal twist. The narrative moves at a brisk, engaging clip, anchored by a signature deadpan humor and deep empathy for adolescent awkwardness. It captures that specific, stomach-churning anxiety of trying to impress the wrong people, blending everyday schoolyard politics with a touch of magical realism that makes the protagonist's internal crisis literal. The prose is punchy and accessible, never talking down to its audience while tackling the heavy emotional lifting of peer pressure and redemption. It will delight readers who love underdog stories, quirky friendships, and the satisfying triumph of finally standing up for yourself when it matters most.
- Mood
- awkward
- anxious
- hopeful
- humorous
- Tone
- wry
- empathetic
- quirky
- earnest
- surreal
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- the cost of popularity · peer pressure and conformity · finding true friendship · taking responsibility · middle school angst
- The writing
- Accessible, punchy, and laced with signature deadpan humor and a keen ear for middle-school dialogue.
- The arc
- Moves from a place of anxious conformity and supernatural dread to a grounded, confident self-acceptance.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers who appreciate a blend of everyday school drama with a touch of weirdness, and anyone who has ever compromised themselves to fit in.
Content notes
- bullying
- peer pressure
- mild crude humor
About the book
David receives a curse from an elderly woman he has helped his schoolmates attack, and he learns to regret his weakness in pandering to others for the sake of popularity before new friends and a very nice girl help him to be a stronger, more assertive person.
Description from Open Library.
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