Pumpkin
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Funny, charming prom tale brims with identity positivity.
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What's the Story?
PUMPKIN brings us back to the small West Texas town of Clover City, where we meet high-school senior Waylon Brewer. Waylon's a stand-out in several ways: He's tall (6'3"), fat (over 300 lbs.), a ginger, a twin, and openly gay. But all Waylon wants out of senior year is to keep a low profile, blend in, and make it through until he can move to Austin with his twin sister Clementine and really start living his life. Until he snoops on his sister's computer and finds out that Clem's plans for after high school do not include moving to Austin. While he's still reeling from this news and from recently being dumped, he learns that he's been jokingly nominated for prom queen at the same time that Hannah, his sister's girlfriend, has been nominated for prom king. Thanks to Hannah's gumption, the two decide to "own it" and give everything they've got to winning the title. Prom-court activities throw Waylon into close contact with childhood friend Tucker, which ramps up the awkwardness since they had a falling out long ago. But as prom activities get more intense, Tucker's showing signs of interest in Waylon. Is this for real?
Is It Any Good?
Veteran author Julie Murphy brings us back to Clover City, Texas, with extra helpings of humor and charm. Fans of Dumplin' and Puddin' will be glad to check in with familiar characters, and both fans and newcomers will enjoy getting to know Waylon, his friends, and family in Pumpkin. Waylon is a complex character full of contradictions, but his believable voice and dreams of something better after high school make him easy to relate to. He's surrounded by colorful characters who offer positive representations of a wide range of body types, skin colors, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
But the story isn't all just laughs and campiness. Waylon's journey toward being true to himself no matter what is also sprinkled with moments of real emotion and tackles serious issues like anti-gay bullying and body image with warmth and grace. To say nothing of the sigh-worthy romance that blossoms right under Waylon's nose. Strong language, descriptions of making out with some detail, and brief risky behavior make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity in Pumpkin. Why is it important to have positive, diverse characters in books and other media? How does it feel to read about or see characters you identify with? What do you learn from those who are different from you?
Is Waylon a good role model? What are his character strengths and weaknesses?
Have you read any of the other books by Julie Murphy? If you have, which one's your favorite? If you haven't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author: Julie Murphy
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Publication date: May 25, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 28, 2021
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