I know of Rainbow Rowell, but do not think I have read them (maybe a short story). I know that if you want a good book you cannot really go wrong with Rowell. But I was not familiar with Faith Erin Hicks (though I will be looking into them). And as a First Second book? Well they really cannot do wrong in my eyes. Therefore, perhaps I expected too much out of this.
Yet, I will say, even with the few “holes” for me, I truly enjoyed this book. The plot is a tad obvious (with one small “fly in the ointment” that turns into an interesting plot point later). Pumpkinheads is a traditional teen love story that has been done as a graphic novel. There are multiple “modernisms” to the plot: such as Josiah is a less “stereotypical male.” He might be clueless, but he has a good heart, is insecure and really loves his work at the Pumpkin Patch. Deja is not your usual DID (Damsel in Distress). In fact, she’s no damsel and only a little distressed. She is pushy, has a good heart, and bisexual (possibly hetroflexible or pansexual. And the great part here is it is “no big deal” and is just there). While Deja is trying to help Josiah speak to the girl that he has had a crush on for about four years, we meet several of her boyfriends and an ex-girlfriend (Jess the sigher). We see two friends who have a great connection. We see the variety of the park. And there is humor and an interesting side plot involving a runaway goat.
The story could go as young as a strong 12, but more likely 13 up. And adults, of course, should give it a try. Illustrations are not overly “ablaze” but also not “dull.” The illustrations of Hicks are perfectly matched with the text to show you the ins and outs of a Pumpkin Patch Park. Small details come out to give you a quick look at the personality of people. And one detail makes me want to know if Rowell and Hicks deliberately made Josiah’s crush a red head so she could be the “Little Red-Haired Girl” to Josiah’s Charlie Brown.
