Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell was one of my highly anticipated reads this year as I love seasonal books as well as her wholesome characters. I was not disappointed with this one as it features two co-workers who make the most of their last shift at a pumpkin patch together. The main characters are both realistic and likeable, and the artwork within builds a warm atmosphere.
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second
Genres: Contemporary, Graphic Novel, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Rating:
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?
Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
This book follows two co-workers working their last shift together at a pumpkin patch. Sick of watching Josiah pine over the girl working at the fudge shop, Deja devises a plan to help him ask her out before their shift ends. There are many hurdles along the way, but Josiah and Deja get the chance to truly explore the pumpkin patch and make the most of their last night together. I found it interesting how the book touches on the idea of leaving work friends behind for college, as this is something I have not really seen in books. While the graphic novel is light and cheery, it also has its more touching and relatable moments which adds more meaning.
❀ Perfectly Awkward Characters
I adored both Josiah and Deja’s characters. They are perfectly awkward, and I enjoyed reading about them figuring out their feelings on their journey through the pumpkin patch. Deja is such a caring and supportive character, and it is so sweet how she is determined to help Josiah meet his crush. Josiah is a more introverted character, and this complements Deja’s personality. Their friendship is so wholesome, and I felt as though their characters are realistic, even if the events of the plot are a bit outrageous.
❀ Amazing Artwork
The artwork by Faith Erin Hicks is absolutely amazing. The warm colours used help build a cosy fall atmosphere, and the setting is well-developed, which allows the reader to become immersed in the pumpkin patch. I loved the overall style of the illustrations, and I must say Deja is so adorable. I’m glad that this was written as a graphic novel, as being able to experience the expansive setting makes the story so entertaining.
❀ A Wholesome Fall Graphic Novel
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell is a wholesome fall YA graphic novel that is heartwarming and comedic. I loved the realistic main characters as well as the gorgeous illustrations. I would definitely recommend this one as it truly gets the reader in the mood for fall.
About Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they're screwing up. And people who fall in love.
When she's not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don't really matter in the big scheme of things.
She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.