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A review by bookishlybecca
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First Read-through: September 2019
Ahhhhh! *twirls* This might be my new favourite graphic novel! I literally loved EVERYTHING about it! The illustrations and dialogue were, of course, wonderful - as to be expected from Faith and Rainbow - but the overall plot and premise of it were amazing too. And don't even get me started on all the cute little things included in this book! Gah! *gushes all over the place*
Main Things I Loved:
- The characters: Josiah and Deja are both great, multi-layered characters, and I feel like I got to know them surprisingly well over the course of this short graphic novel. I grew to love them both, but Josiah is my favourite of the pair. He's adorably cute, with pretty much everything he says or does. Particularly as he's a rule-follower and high achiever, and is always striving to do good and see the best in everyone. (His adorable facial expressions and constant blushing had me frequently smirking and chuckling. ;P) Josie's unexpected character development near the end of the book was a nice surprise as well! I did kind of predict it, but it was lovely to read, regardless. Deja, on the other hand, is hilarious and super witty.
(The fact that she came up with like 10 different puny, fudge-related nicknames for Marcy speaks for itself! xD) I adored her personality and how she always tried to pull Josiah out of his comfort zone. She has a really good "rhythm" with him, overall. This is definitely one of those cases where opposites attract. The two friends make each other better, and that's what I love the most about them. <3 - The plot: I enjoyed the story and setting of this book SO much! Fall is my favourite season, so this is the perfect read for me, really. ;) I liked how we learned more and more about Josiah and Deja's relationship as the story progressed. It was weirdly satisfying for me to see the pair explore the whole of the Patch as well. Nothing ever felt drawn out or forced though. It all felt quite natural and was paced super well.
- The illustrations: I absolutely adored the art style, particularly how Faith depicted the characters' facial expressions. (For example, she placed stars and hearts over Josiah's head every time he was overly happy about something. ;P Very cartoony, which I love!) Also the colours!!! It was lovely seeing how rich and vibrant everything was. It really suited both the story and the fall season.
Small Things I Adored:
- The map that's at both the front and back of the book (and how it has two different versions - day vs. night)
- How there were actual chapters, with fun titles and graphics to go along with them.
- The puny signs/posters Faith drew and placed throughout the park. xP
- All the fun costumes the Patch-goers were wearing. (I even spotted a little boy dressed as Harry Potter! *__*)
Minor: Body shaming