I love Julie Murphy’s books and this did not disappoint! She always brings such a positive message in her book and I really happy to read more about characters in this world. Loved it!

This is such a wonderful, uplifting story that brought me so much joy to read. I adored Waylon as the mc, he was so funny and vibrant, and unashamedly queer, plus size and proud. I loved seeing his exploration of drag and his journey in running for prom queen. The romance was sweet and satisfying, the friendships were lovely, and this book just gave me all round good vibes.

After reading the prior books by Julie Murphy I won’t lie when I say I had high expectations for this books and the feelings I wanted it to be able to fulfill and it did just that. It so expertly explained something so many go through and relate to and made it into a universal way that those who can’t get a small glimpse into a different reality and I really appreciate that about this book. Thank you for the privilege of reading this early!

Julie Murphy can do no wrong! I loved Waylon and his friends. It's so nice to see a positive representation of drag in YA.

This was adorable. I loved Dumplin', Puddin' was a bit of a miss for me, but Pumpkin has my heart. Julie Murphy is amazing!

I'm a huge fan of the first two books in this series, and this one didn't disappoint. I loved Waylon as a character, and I love that in the book we were watching him build his relationship with drag. I dream of more of a glance into Hannah's inner life. Overall, this book was a ton of fun and I can see some of my 8th grade and older students getting really into it. Thanks, Netgalley!

What a wonderfully queer book! LGBTQ+ representation in books for young people is so so important, and I just love putting books like Pumpkin into the hands of those that need them!

Simply amazing! Julie Murphy creates a wonderfully crafted character that is just as funny and relatable as those in Dumplin and Puddin!

This book was good, but had many similarities to Dumplin. Overall, it was a good addition to the trilogy. I like how the characters are developed and are relatable to many readers.

This book is my favorite release for 2021. It was so sweet and heartwarming and a true gem in the YA community. I've been a fan of Julie Murphy for years and I feel this is her best novel yet. Every chance I get, I talk about this book to readers and customers, Everyone should read it.

Julie Murphy writes such celebrations of bodies and differences, and I wish that high school could have been more like it is in the world of Dumplin' (and now Pumpkin). I hope that it is that way for some kids, but I'm afraid it's not and this book is more of a fantasy <sigh>.

Waylon is a fat boy. A fat, gay boy. In West Texas. He's had crushes and clandestine meetings (not really relationships, but...), but he's also been bullied. When he goes to his first drag show, he recognizes that this is what he wants to do. And then he's nominated for Prom Queen as a mean joke. And his twin sister's girlfriend is nominated for Prom King.

They are going all in.

If you can get past, or even embrace (!) the magical sparkle, this is a fun and enjoyable book.

My thanks to Harper Collins Children's/Balzer & Bray and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been an avid reader of Julie Murphy and was excited to read the 3rd book in this series. I felt that this book was on trend and would be relatable to the YA audience. I love the characters and the descriptive storytelling.

Biggest thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books/Balzer + Bray and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this fun and empowering book.

I've read all 3 books in the Dumplin' series and have loved them all. Julie Murphy creates the best characters, filled with the insecurities that seem to plague us all at some level. This book is no exception. Our main character, Waylon, is an overweight, gay high school senior just hoping to make it to graduation so he can leave town with his twin sister/best friend and start being who he truly is. When Waylon's secret drag queen show audition tape gets viewed by the entire school, they nominate him as prom queen as a joke. The joke's on them because Waylon is tired of laying low. He decides this is finally his time to shine.

I loved Waylon's supportive family and wish every gay, overweight, and marginalized kid were as lucky as him. I also adored the love story woven throughout. I am now on a mission to read everything Julie Murphy has written.

The pacing, dialogue, and characters support one another to create a solid addition to the world and lives created by Murphy.
3.5 stars

I am a fan of Julie Murphy's YA series of books. I loved Dumplin and Puddin and initially was curious about Pumpkin but unsure how it would fit in. i was wrong. Pumpkin is a heartfelt and has the same joy of the previous two reads. I wish there were more pages to wrap up the other character arcs but one can wish.

I appreciated that the character Pumpkin was surrounded by love and acceptance from his family and enjoyed reading about his journey to self confidence and self acceptance. I highly recommend it.

Julie Murphy at her finest! Gay and quirky characters, small town life, drama and humor! You'll enjoy every minute of getting to know Waylon and his sister.

Waylon loves watching is favorite reality show featuring drag queens, but after his favorite queen gets passed up for the crown, he decides to try his own hand at drag to channel his frustration. After his twin sister overshares the video recording of his late-night drag performance, Waylon gets nominated for Prom Queen, along with his sister's girlfriend, Hannah, who is nominated for Prom King. This then starts a whole exploration for Waylon of who he wants to be for these last few weeks of school: the Waylon he's always been or "full Waylon" (out and loud with not only his attitude but his dress, too.

Pumpkin was a great culmination of this series in Clover City. There's great character development through this book, and looking at the characters through the 3 books. It was also really fun to see the cameos of the other characters and talk of their post-graduation plans in this book. This was a fun read for all, even if you haven't read the Dumplin' or Puddin'. Highly recommended.

I loved both of Murphy's previous books in this series (Dumplin' and Puddin') and so was incredibly excited for the release of Pumpkin'. But something about this one just didn't work for me as well as the rest. Perhaps it's more general (I'm just older and I don't read nearly as much YA as I used to, and so it takes a lot more to grip me when it comes to stories skewed to a younger audience) or it's specifically that I didn't feel the characters and plot were as well developed this time around. I think if you like authors like Becky Albertalli you might enjoy this a lot more than if you are, say, a fan of Murphy's earlier books in this series.

Cute YA book, with great characters and story. I enjoyed the relationship between Clem and Waylon and loved how the parents were accepting of both kids. I also loved how eccentric their Grammy was.

After having read Dumplin' a few years ago and loving it, I knew I had to give Pumpkin a try (and will need to check out Puddin' now too!) Our protagonist is Waylon Brewer, age 17, obsessed with drag, fabulous, not closeted but still just trying to get by so he can survive high school and evolve into his "true self" after graduation. Physically he is heavier, and this paired with the fact that he's gay and just... overall different has him on edge. Waylon is getting by with the help of his twin sister Clementine when something happens that causes him to lash out in the best and most Waylon way possible. This lands him in the radar of his classmates; some who are deeply supportive, but more who seem determined to call him out negatively for his differences. It's a ride, but Waylon ends up on top with a satisfying conclusion that seems... maybe a little too easy, but is beautifully earnest and sweet.
Waylon as a character is deeply likable and believably flawed, and watching him grow through his self consciousness into a braver version of himself was so satisfying. I found myself rooting for this sweet, vibrant being, and will certainly be recommending this title to many of my teens (and some adults too).