I breezed through Pumpkinheads in about two hours. Written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks, this graphic novel follows two seniors, Deja and Josiah, on their last night working at a pumpkin patch. The characters' initial goal is to find and talk to the coworker Josiah has pined over for years; but, in true Rowell style, the story quickly turns into a twisty adventure as unexpected hurdles—literal and figurative—stand in their way.It was absolutely charming. The depth of the relationship between Deja and Josiah is clear from the start, even though we only see them for one night of their many-yeared friendship. I was hooked from the moment they interacted—no, I was actually hooked from the time I saw the super cute map of the pumpkin patch on the inside cover! (Seriously, who can resist a super cute map?) Hicks's other illustrations are also spot on, with quirk and warmth that pull you into the story.
Pumpkinheads is the perfect feel-good book for the upcoming season, propelling you smells-and-all into fuzzy autumn feelings.Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who adores strong friendship stories and the warm fuzzies of fall.
Bonus points: The map!!
