Pumpkinheads
on Goodreads (87,501)
What’s inside...
In Pumpkinheads, author Rainbow Rowell and artist Faith Erin Hicks collaborate to tell the story of Deja and Josiah, two seasonal best friends who work together at a pumpkin patch every autumn throughout high school. As seniors, they face their final shift and last good-bye. While Josiah wants to spend the night feeling melancholy, Deja proposes an adventurous plan to make their last shift memorable. Together, they explore the sights, taste snacks, and Josiah even gets a chance to talk to his long-time crush.
Age
14-18
Length
209 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Josiah
Deja
Marcie
Discussion points
How do you think Deja and Josiah felt about their last night working at the pumpkin patch? What emotions did they experience?
Why do you think it was important for Deja to help Josiah find the girl he's been wanting to talk to all season?
What do you think the story tells us about friendship and making memories?
How did the different settings in the pumpkin patch contribute to the story's adventure?
If you were Deja or Josiah, what would you have done differently on your last night at the pumpkin patch?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to help your child explore the themes of friendship, change, and adventure in 'Pumpkinheads'. Encourage them to relate their own experiences with friendships and personal growth to those of Deja and Josiah. Discuss the significance of setting in the story and how it impacts the characters. This not only deepens comprehension but enhances empathy and reasoning skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Pumpkinheads', the strong bond between the main characters, Deja and Josiah, showcases the importance of friendship. They support each other’s endeavors and share a series of adventures, illustrating what true companionship looks like.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships, understand the importance of supporting each other, and experience the joy of sharing adventures, thus strengthening their social interactions and emotional bonds.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The book takes place on the last night of the season at a pumpkin patch, symbolizing change and transition. Josiah and Deja face the end of an era with positivity, teaching readers to embrace life changes with a similar perspective.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children adapt to changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family dynamics, by viewing such transitions as opportunities for growth and new experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Josiah, who is typically reserved, steps out of his comfort zone with encouragement from Deja. This highlights the theme of overcoming personal fears and anxiety.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their fears and anxieties, be it speaking in front of the class or trying out for a school play, thereby fostering a sense of bravery and personal development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Making Memories
Explanation: The adventures that Deja and Josiah embark on throughout 'Pumpkinheads' emphasize making the most out of every moment and creating lasting memories.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and cherish every moment, promoting mindfulness and the importance of living in the present.
Example Lesson: Learning from Diverse Perspectives
Explanation: Deja's outgoing nature complements Josiah’s introversion, showcasing how diverse characteristics can lead to meaningful experiences and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity in their peers and learn from others’ perspectives and experiences, which can lead to richer personal-development and understanding of the world.