Let's Talk About It: Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
About the Book
Release your inner Drag Queen and get ready for Pumpkin! Growing up in a small town isn’t easy especially when you’re fat AND openly gay like Waylon Brewer. Luckily, Waylon has a plan. After graduation, he and his twin sister Clementine will move to Austin and he can finally live life to the fullest. When he finds out Clementine has other ideas he channels his frustration into an audition tape for his favorite TV drag show, Fiercest of Them All. When the tape is accidentally shared with the whole school Waylon finds himself nominated for Prom Queen as a joke. Instead of letting the haters get the best of him Waylon decides to run and leave high school with a bang. May the best queen win. The third and final book in Julie Murphy’s beloved series features cameos from all your favorite Clover City characters plus an affirming message about queer identity and body positivity.
Questions for Group Discussion
1. Fiercest of Them All is one of Waylon and Clem’s favorite TV shows. This season Waylon’s favorite Queen is Mimi Mee. As they sit down to watch the season finale, Clem tries to manage Waylon’s expectations by gently telling him that they’ll never crown a fat queen. Why does she say this? Think about the reality shows you watch and enjoy. Do you think the same thing is true for those shows?
2. Waylon tells Tucker that being a twin is the best and worst thing in the world. Based on Waylon and Clem’s relationship list some of the things you think would be great about being a twin as well as some of the things you think would be the worst. Can you think of any other relationship that has a similar type of bond?
3. When Hannah and Waylon are nominated for Prom King and Queen as a joke by their fellow classmates Hannah is the first to decide that she’ll go ahead with it. When Waylon asks her why she says “If I’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that you’ve got to be the one who writes your own story.” (pg. 93) What does she mean by this? Do you think her actions are brave?
4. When Waylon finds out Tucker is into Star Wars he’s shocked to discover that Tucker is a “nerd”. Tucker replies by saying people aren’t only just one thing i.e. nerd or jock, beauty or brain etc. Waylon counters that this type of thinking only applies if you’re already cool. Who do you agree with? Is there something about yourself, an interest or hobby, that you keep hidden from your friends or peers because you’re afraid of how it will alter people’s perception of you?
5. As part of their Prom Court responsibilities, all the nominees must create a Legacy Project, something that improves the campus for underclassmen and future students. What would your Legacy Project be?
6. One day after class Ms. Jennings asks Waylon to stay behind. During their conversation, she tells Waylon that college isn’t for everyone and that there are other paths he can take. What do you think about this advice? Have you ever considered a nontraditional path for yourself? Would the adults in your life be supportive of this?
7. At Kyle’s party, Waylon performs in Drag in front of his classmates. Right before he takes the spotlight he thinks to himself “Drag is more than makeup and gowns and bodysuits and tucking and sequins and wigs. Drag is about what you exude. Drag is a choice.” (pg. 235) Do some research into the history of Drag. Based on what you discover, what do you think Drag is about?
8. Early on Waylon talks about how lucky he and Clem have been coming out in a small town, especially in regards to their parents, but how he knows they are both only one unfortunate moment away from the wrong person seeing them do something “gay” before they are in actual danger. What are some actions you can take to make sure your school and community are open and affirming places for all people?
Drag Race Star Ginger Minj and author Julie Murphy Talk Pumpkin, Pride, and Drag!
Praise for Pumpkin
“With her signature blend of humor, sensitivity, and panache, Murphy has crafted a sensational narrative that is bursting with life and is anything but a drag….Murphy's best-selling Dumplin' series grows bigger and better with every installment, and this book will quickly rule the YA realm.”— ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Murphy is at it again with a third return to Clover City and the Dumplin’ universe. Tackling heavy topics with humor, this novel touches on the importance of staying true to yourself even (and especially) when it’s hard. A must-purchase for fans of Murphy’s previous books, a good prom story, and RuPaul’s Drag Race.”— School Library Journal
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“Waylon’s combination of self-confidence and self-defense is utterly believable… the stirrings of romance with Tucker are delicious and the plot overall is huggably cheesy, leaving readers cheering for Waylon, his Clover City cohort, and any kids taking a chance to be their full selves right now.”— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
About the Author
JULIE MURPHY lives in North Texas with her husband, who loves her; her dog, who adores her; and her cats, who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time. When she’s not writing, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, or planning her next great travel adventure. She is the author of the young adult novels Puddin’, Ramona Blue, Side Effects May Vary, Faith: Taking Flight, and Dumplin’ (now a Netflix original film). She is also the author of a middle grade novel, Dear Sweet Pea. You can visit Julie at www.juliemurphywrites.com.