Pumpkinheads

by Rainbow Rowell, Faith Erin Hicks (Illustrator), Sarah Stern (Contribution by)

Overview

A 2020 Tayshas Reading List Selection
A 2020 Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection

In Pumpkinheads, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author 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.

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 and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—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?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626721623
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	08/27/2019
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	22,363
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	HL340L (what's this?)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Rainbow Rowell is the award-winning, No. 1 New York Times–bestselling author of Eleanor & Park, Carry On, Wayward Son, and more. She made her comics debut as the writer of Marvel’s monthly Runaways series. Pumpkinheads is her first graphic novel. Rainbow lives and writes in Omaha, Nebraska, home of the world’s best pumpkin patches.

Faith Erin Hicks is a writer and artist living in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her previous works include the Nameless City trilogy, Friends with Boys, The Last of Us: American Dreams (with Neil Druckmann), Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong (with Prudence Shen), and the Eisner Award–winning The Adventures of Superhero Girl. She can be found online!

Editorial Reviews

Rowell's genius is for creating imperfect characters with whom readers nonetheless fall in love. Deja radiates confidence, rocks a dimpled smile and is unrelenting in her determination while also making questionable relationship choices. Josie, despite his penchant for perfectionism and his fear of confrontation, exhibits an endearing sweetness and playfulness…Pumpkinheads is more than a story about a last evening at a beloved pumpkin patch; it is about being confident enough in a friendship to speak both challenge and truth—even the truth that makes you feel vulnerable, but could set you on a new, rewarding path. Maybe that's why I couldn't look away from this delightful pair.

The New York Times Book Review - Karina Yan Glaser

Pumpkinheads perfectly captures that feeling of the last night that’s the start of the rest of your life.”—Mariko Tamaki, Printz Honor–winning cocreator of This One Summer and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

“Fun, funny, and wise.”—Gene Luen Yang, Printz and Eisner Award–winning author of American Born Chinese

"[Pumpkinheads] is more than a story about a last evening at a beloved pumpkin patch; it is about being confident enough in a friendship to speak both challenge and truth — even the truth that makes you feel vulnerable, but could set you on a new, rewarding path." —The New York Times

“A fall-tastic good time, brought to you from the best of the YA and graphic literature worlds.”—Bustle

“Dreamy.”—Entertainment Weekly

"A heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity."—Kirkus, starred review

"There’s something for everyone in this joyful, tender book. Fans of Rowell and Hicks will gobble up this graphic novel like it’s Frito pie, and after just one nibble, newcomers will do the same—and ask for seconds." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Art by Hicks turns the sweetly witty dialogue by Rowell into a miniature autumn universe; precise, affectionate details will coax readers to revel in the cozy atmosphere." —Publisher's Weekly, starred review


"Expect this tender, sweet romance to be popular with a wide range of readers— and let’s hope this isn’t the last graphic novel collaboration between Rowell and Hicks." —Horn Books, starred review

"This is a Hallmark movie in graphic-novel form, as sweet as a candied apple and as warm as a steaming cup of cider with two lovable and inevitably paired leads.... Have this ready when the fall sweaters come out and the crisp air arrives." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Rowell's one of the biggest names in YA; don't be surprised if readers who otherwise turn their nose up at comics seek this one out." —Booklist

From the Publisher

★ 08/01/2019

Gr 7 Up—High school seniors Deja and Josiah ("Josie") are working their final shift at the world's corniest pumpkin patch. Josie already misses his days at the patch, while Deja is on a mission to experience as many things as possible on her last night, including eating plenty of Frito pie. Along the way, she wants to yank Josie out of his comfort zone and open up his world—no regrets allowed. The characters in this graphic novel are so expressive and authentic, it's impossible not to love them. The dialogue is cute, funny, and punny, and the speech bubbles are well placed. Adorably illustrated and titled chapter headings will heighten readers' anticipation of wacky moments. The palette is charmingly autumnal, and dynamic backgrounds, with vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and twilight purples and blues, convey the fall festival atmosphere. The panel layouts advance the action smoothly and evoke the feeling of young love and of breathlessly standing on the brink of change. VERDICT There's something for everyone in this joyful, tender book. Fans of Rowell and Hicks will gobble up this graphic novel like it's Frito pie, and after just one nibble, newcomers will do the same—and ask for seconds.—Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT

School Library Journal

★ 2019-06-18
Autumn loving, they had a blast; autumn loving, it happened too fast.

Having worked together in the Succotash Hut at the pumpkin patch for years, best friends and co-workers Deja and Josiah, who goes by Josie, ditch work and find love on their last night, heading out in search of Josie's unrequited love, the girl who works in the Fudge Shoppe. Deja, a witty and outgoing girl who attracts—and is attracted to—boys and girls alike, is set on helping the shy, rule-following Josie move out of his comfort zone before they part ways for college. Deja encourages Josie to take a chance and talk to the girl of his dreams instead of pining for her from afar. Not to be dissuaded by his reticence, Deja leads Josie to multiple stops in the Patch in search of the almost-impossible-to-find Fudge Girl, with every stop taking them in a new direction and providing a new treat. As they journey through the Patch—chasing a snack-stealing rascal, dodging a runaway goat, and snacking their way through treats from fudge to Freeto pie—they explore the boundaries of their friendship. 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. (Graphic fiction. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews

★ 08/05/2019

For the last several years, high schoolers Deja and Josiah (Josie) have been best friends during autumn, working together at the Pumpkin Patch’s Succotash Hut. On Halloween, the last day of their final year working at the Patch, outgoing Deja, a plus-size black girl who has dated many of the Patch’s staffers—girls and boys alike—intends to make sure that responsible, quiet Josie, who is white, finally talks to his long-standing crush, a young woman who works at the Fudge Shoppe. A packed night at the Patch leads to the duo pursuing “Fudge Girl” through the grounds, reliving memories, averting catastrophes, eating all their favorite snacks, and savoring one last autumnal night together. 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. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly