“Dedicated to the bullied, the parentless and the unique. May the shallow assholes one day envy you.”

I knew I’d enjoy Skullface Boy from its dedication alone. Chad Lutzke definitely threw some heart into this one.

Levi is a little different from everyone else in the world.

He’s got a skull for a face.

Levi’s been trapped behind the walls of Gramm Jones Foster Care for sixteen years. One random night, he’s decided he’s had enough. There’s rumors of a man in Hermosa Beach who looks just like him, and maybe he can find out where he is. Levi then slings a backpack on his shoulder with just a copy of The Painted Bird inside, and hits the road.

Time for a new life.

As we travel with Levi through his coming-of-age tale, there’s a lot to witness and many people to encounter. From polygamists to friendly hookers— an old, sick bookshop owner and a trailer trash woman killer— Levi witnesses and experiences it all as he hitchhikes from Colorado to California. What a ride.

I found this story to be touching, and not at all what I’d thought I’d be getting into. Every experience, every human being, and every obstacle built a piece of Levi’s blossoming character. You’d think a child with a skull for a face would be riddled with negativity and animosity— but not Levi. This tale is simply about a unique teenage boy finding his place in a tough and ragged world.

And on this journey we learn about gratitude and grace, loss and saying goodbye— but also about growth and new beginnings. Skullface Boy is a feel good story that gently tugs on your heartstrings.

This little book was a ★ ★ ★ ★ star read for me, and I enjoyed reading something different from my typical preference, it was refreshing. Lutzke had every opportunity to make this into a true horror story— but decided the latter, and I can appreciate that. If you’re into a good coming-of-age tale with a unique premise, I absolutely recommend.