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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell Published by Pan Macmillan on August 27, 2019
Pages: 209
Format: Paperback
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A smart and swoony Rainbow Rowell romance in full colour graphic novel form. Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends. Every autumn, all through high school, they've worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they're reunited every September 1. But this Halloween is different?Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye. Josiah's ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn't ready to let him. She's got a plan: What if instead of moping they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he's been mooning over for three years ... What if their last shift was an adventure? Beloved writer Rainbow Rowell and Eisner Award-winning artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place?and a person?with no regrets.
Pumpkin Patch season is halfway over! But if you are looking for a book to get you in the mood for some pumpkin-picking, cider drinking fun, then check out Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell, a graphic novel illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks.
The first time I saw the cover of Pumpkinheads, I stopped in my tracks. Two teens dressed in overalls, chilling in a pumpkin patch…They look too happy so it couldn’t be like the pumpkinhead guy from Ichabod Crane. So were they farmers? I’d never seen a Black girl on the cover of a book with overalls on. Considering I am a Black woman who gardens and wears overalls, I was curious. Then during a class visit, I saw it on a student’s desk for independent reading. I asked her about it and she said she really liked the book.
I came across Pumpkinheads at a time period when I was just getting acquainted with graphic novels. Other than comic books I hadn’t really paid too much attention to them. (That has definitely changed by the way!) I ❤️ graphic novels!
Quick synopsis
So let’s check out what this graphic novel is about! On the cover are two “seasonal best friends” Deja and Josiah. They work at a pumpkin patch. (First paragraph mysteries solved!!!) But this year is different because they are seniors in high school and it will be their last time working at the patch together. The story is set on their last night together at the pumpkin patch. Josiah (Josie) is super sad, but Deja has a plan. And what a plan it is! This girl wants to take the grand culinary tour of the entire pumpkin patch. And it is hilarious.
Now if you have ever been to a professional pumpkin patch, then you know this adventure is no small feat. This patch is huge! To prove it, check out the map in the front and back of the book.
Live Your Best Pumpkin Patch Life!
This book had me cracking up the entire time I was reading it. I love Deja! She is not afraid to live her life. First, she has dated like everyone at the pumpkin patch and half of the time they spend ducking them. The other half is spent sampling as many of the pumpkin patch delicacies they can. Meanwhile, poor Josie is just trying to get three little words out (I like you) to a special girl he has been pining over.
Predictable, But Fun
This is a fun read, that even though it’s predictable, you still enjoy the ride. The artwork was great! The edition I have even includes notes from the author and illustrator on the choices they made in portraying the characters.
So if you are looking for a quick seasonal read, then check out Pumpkinheadsby Rainbow Rowell and illustratorFaith Erin Hicks.
Other Fall Book Reviews
Get Ready for Pumpkin Spice Season with Let It Grow by Mary Ann Fraser
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