Pumpkinheads

PUMPKINHEADS by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Rationale:

Sometimes life is overwhelming, and it seems nearly impossible to focus on reading. Especially during uncertain times, such as a global pandemic, it can be hard to get lost in a book. If this sounds familiar, I suggest picking up a copy of Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks. It is short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to develop a mood and get you attached to the lovable characters. As Brock (2019, pp.43) recognizes, “Although it may take little time to read a graphic novel, they are meant to be savored and re-read.” And there is much to savor in Pumpkinheads: an endearing friendship, a diverse cast, the challenge of romantic courage, the urgency of a one-night-only plot, a litany of puns, and the nostalgic and cozy atmosphere of a fall festival. (Readers be warned! This book will make you crave kettle corn, candied apples, fudge, chili, and pumpkin pie!)

The remarkable thing to me about Pumpkinheads is its innocence. Josiah and Deja are high school seniors and co-workers, best friends who struggle to know themselves and navigate a Pumpkin Patch full of exes and crushes, but the conflict is meaningful while being free from any major trauma. While young adult literature does (and must) confront the difficult and often painful aspects of growing up, sometimes, readers want to be swept away by a good rom-com that makes them feel warm and fuzzy and hopeful. What’s interesting about Pumpkinheads is that it is both mature and innocent; an excellent recommendation for practically anyone. A 2010 Scholastic article (pp. 4) notes that graphic novels “are flexible enough that often the same titles can be equally appealing to both reluctant and advanced readers.” Pumpkinheads certainly falls under this category.

Rainbow Rowell’s funny, punny, true-to-life dialogue matched with Faith Erin Hicks’s illustration works like magic. But one other individual deserves lavish praise: the colorist, Sarah Stern. For me, color in a graphic novel can make or break the atmosphere. Stern’s color palette is perfection: autumnal tones, thoughtful contrasts, and deepening gradients that depict the gradual transition to night. In the conversation between Rowell and Hicks (2019) included at the end of the book, the creators discuss how Rowell handed Hicks a screenplay-like manuscript and allowed Hicks to design the pacing and layout. This mutual trust paid off, and Sarah Stern’s color brought the entire vision to vibrant life. Treat yourself; read this book.

Synopsis:

“One last shift at the Pumpkin Patch. Make it count. This refreshingly autumnal tale of love and friendship is adorable, cozy, sincere, and perfect. A funny and endearing tribute to seasonal snacks and taking chances in love. *Reading Recipe: Pair with spiced apple cider and Lord Huron’s album Strange Trails.”

I know that not every reader prefers to listen to music while reading, but I think it’s a fun experiment to find the perfect musical pairing. For this book, it was Lord Huron. To me, their music just feels like a cold front and the scent of campfire smoke in the air. The uplifting and bittersweet energy of the music was a perfect match for Pumpkinheads. And of course, since fall flavors are so central to the story, what would go better with this book than your favorite autumnal beverage? Spiced apple cider or a PSL, why not?

Selected Quote:

Josiah: “Why are you putting me up to this? You never cared about my ‘romantic future’ before.”
Deja: “I already told you: I’m your friend. And friends don’t let friends live small lives.” pg. 15

I chose this quote because it represents the central conflict of the story: It’s their last night at The Patch, and Josiah still hasn’t worked up the nerve to talk to his crush in the Fudge Shoppe. Deja is on a mission to change that. Antics ensue; epiphanies abound. (Oh, and snacks.)

Book Review Excerpts:

“It’s Halloween, and after three years of manning the succotash hut together, it’s the last night Josie and Deja will work at their beloved pumpkin patch. Tall, blond, Josie is dismayed that their lives will never be the same, while Black, chubby Deja is determined to make the most of their last day. Her mission? Get Josie to finally talk to his crush. What follows is a rapid-fire circuit of the pumpkin patch involving bribery, swapped shifts, missed connections, a snack-thieving kid, and Josie’s rival for most-valuable pumpkin patch employee, not to mention a corn maze, petting zoo, and hayrack ride, where Josie finally gets his chance. Hick’s cheerful, big-eyed cartoon figures are a great match for Rowell’s playful, often awkward characters, and she draws the pumpkin-patch scenes with bustling activity, which adds to the lively atmosphere and fast-paced plot.” Sarah Hunter for Booklist

“Visually bright and appealing in autumnal reds, oranges, and yellows, the art enhances this endearing picture of teenage love. Deja is a beautiful, plus-sized black girl, and Josie is a handsome, blond white boy. A heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity.”  Kirkus Reviews

“Art by Hicks (Comics Will Break Your Heart) turns the sweetly witty dialogue by Rowell (Carry On) into a miniature autumn universe; precise, affectionate details (signage, costumes, endpaper maps) will coax readers to revel in the cozy atmosphere. The pacing is assured, driving along in short bursts that leave room for key scenes to stretch, but it’s the primary characters’ authentic friendship—built over several seasons working alongside one another—and the variously inclusive cast that really bring this funny last-day story home. Ages 14–up.” Publishers Weekly

Related Reads:

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell is a master of quirky, awkward, visceral love. In Eleanor & Park, readers are swept up in the romance between this pair of misfits, and it’s an endearing story you won’t forget. Though Eleanor & Park addresses much darker and more difficult themes such abuse and poverty, readers who loved Rowell’s unique voice in Pumpkinheads will find her other works just as charming.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
This graphic fantasy novel is a sweet adventure between teenage witch Nova Huang and her childhood friend, a nonbinary werewolf named Tam Lang. A love story and a battle against demonic forces unfold against the backdrop of autumn, and Nova’s family is kind and supportive. I felt like readers who enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of Pumpkinheads might appreciate this magical story.






Autumn in the Country Cookbook by Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin
Since seasonal snacks play such an important role in Pumpkinheads, I thought a cookbook would be a perfect selection for a recommended title. This one features recipes from all over the country for dishes like apple-walnut pancakes, pumpkin patch stew, toasted pecan pudding, and candy apple cheesecake. (My mouth is watering again!)

Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan
This summer job rom-com set in an amusement park seemed like a natural pairing with Pumpkinheads with its comedic style, break-room bulletin boards, and awkward relationships. Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone, said, “Hot Dog Girl is a treat of a book packed with scheming, queer romance, and amusement park food. This laugh-out-loud debut made me hungry and stole my heart.” I wonder what snacks and summer soundtrack readers might choose to pair with this title!



References:

Brock, R. (2019). Young adult literature in action. Libraries Unlimited.

Dugan, J. (2019). Hot dog girl. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers.

Hicks, F.E. (2019) [Pumpkinheads pp.76, panel 1] [Illustration]. First Second.

Hutchins, V., & Martin, J.A. (2007). Autumn in the country cookbook. Gooseberry Patch.

Rowell, R. (2013). Eleanor & Park. St. Martin's Griffin.

Rowell, R., & Hicks, F.E. (2019). Pumpkinheads. First Second.

Scholastic. (2010). Using graphic novels with children and teens: A guide for teachers and librarians. AASL Hotlinks, 9(9), 1-22.

Walker, S., & Xu, W. (2019). Mooncakes. Oni Press.