Feeling rejected, Charlie, an artist, is drawn into a destructive new relationship with her sexy older co-worker, a 'semifamous' local musician who's obviously a junkie alcoholic. But things don't go as planned in the Arizona desert, because sweet Mikey just wants to be friends. After spending time in treatment with other young women like her-who cut, burn, poke, and otherwise hurt themselves-Charlie is released and takes a bus from the Twin Cities to Tucson to be closer to Mikey, a boy she 'like-likes' but who had pined for Ellis instead.

Seventeen-year-old Charlie Davis, a white girl living on the margins, thinks she has little reason to live: her father drowned himself her bereft and abusive mother kicked her out her best friend, Ellis, is nearly brain dead after cutting too deeply and she's gone through unspeakable experiences living on the street. Deja is a beautiful, plus-sized black girl, and Josie is a handsome, blond white boy.Ī heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity.Īfter surviving a suicide attempt, a fragile teen isn't sure she can endure without cutting herself. Visually bright and appealing in autumnal reds, oranges, and yellows, the art enhances this endearing picture of teenage love. As they journey through the Patch-chasing a snack-stealing rascal, dodging a runaway goat, and snacking their way through treats from fudge to Freeto pie-they explore the boundaries of their friendship. Not to be dissuaded by his reticence, Deja leads Josie to multiple stops in the Patch in search of the almost-impossible-to-find Fudge Girl, with every stop taking them in a new direction and providing a new treat. Deja encourages Josie to take a chance and talk to the girl of his dreams instead of pining for her from afar. Deja, a witty and outgoing girl who attracts-and is attracted to-boys and girls alike, is set on helping the shy, rule-following Josie move out of his comfort zone before they part ways for college. Having worked together in the Succotash Hut at the pumpkin patch for years, best friends and co-workers Deja and Josiah, who goes by Josie, ditch work and find love on their last night, heading out in search of Josie’s unrequited love, the girl who works in the Fudge Shoppe. Autumn loving, they had a blast autumn loving, it happened too fast.

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell