Waylon Brewer, aka Pumpkin—nicknamed for his bright red hair—is fat, gay, and biding his time in Clover City until his real life can begin after graduation, when Pumpkin and his twin sister, Clementine, who is lesbian, plan to attend community college in Austin. Although he isn’t closeted in Clover City, Pumpkin, who is white, isn’t loud and proud, and he can’t wait to be. In the meantime, he loves spending time with his supportive family and watching the drag competition show Fiercest of Them All. Disappointed when his favorite contestant, who is fat, doesn’t win, he tapes himself trying drag at home with the vague idea of submitting a video for the next round of competition. Instead, the video goes viral at school, and Pumpkin is nominated—as a joke—for Prom Queen. His sister’s girlfriend, Hannah Perez, is nominated for King. The drag queens of Hoedown City make a return appearance, offering support and encouragement, in this stand-alone companion to Dumplin’ and Puddin’, as Pumpkin enters the competition, becoming an idol to younger LGBTQ+ kids at school in the process. Through it all, he wonders what is up with Tucker Watson, the football player in the running for prom king who ditched him when they were younger but is suddenly sending definite signals that suggest he’s interested in more than just renewing their friendship. A book of frothy wish fulfilment with unexpected depth, Pumpkin is irresistibly affirming and uplifting, funny, and poignant.
(Age 12 and older)