LSSL 5385: Book 24

November 04, 2019

Dumplin’

By Julie Murphy

** Quick Picks **

Murphy, J. (2015). Dumplin. NY: Balzer Bray.

Willowdean Dickson, known as Dumplin’ by her mother, is a teenager living in Clover City, TX. She introduces herself to Bo, the new guy working at Harpy’s, as a cashier, Dolly Parton, enthusiast, and resident fat girl. Her hometown is known for its Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant, and Willowdean’s mother was a former beauty queen and now runs the pageant. Despite the fact that her mother was a former beauty queen, Willowdean doesn’t feel a need to be like her and is confident in who she is. She is comfortable in her skin and being overweight doesn’t bother her.

Willow and her best friend bonded over their love of Dolly Parton and have been inseparable ever since. Ellen has a boyfriend Tim, but he doesn’t ever make Willow feel like a third wheel which she appreciates. At the beginning of the summer though they are ready to take their relationship to the next level, and Willow feels as if Ellen is passing her by a little bit. Willow has always wanted to have a boyfriend and to finally experience her first kiss. During the summer while working at Harpy’s she and Bo start hanging out after working and sharing kisses. Willowdean doesn’t think anything will come of it but is shocked when she finds out he will be attending her school this year. After she finds that out she stops hanging out with him. When school starts she sits next to a boy named Mitch in class who is interested in her and he would like to date her. Willow doesn’t want to lead Mitch on but it’s nice to have a friend. Although she can’t stop thinking about Bo even when she’s hanging out with Mitch.

Willowdean’s aunt Lucy passed away recently and she’s having a hard time dealing with her not being around anymore. When she’s going through her room she finds a pageant entry form that she never turned in. Willow had been feeling some insecurities lately and seeing that Lucy wasn’t confident enough to do the pageant back in the days gives her inspiration to sign up. Willow’s mother signs the consent form for her to compete but wants her to take it serious and not treat it like a joke. Ellen decides to join the pageant too and be part of the revolution as she calls it. Willow isn’t happy with Ellen’s decision because she could actually win, and that’s not the point Willowdean is trying to make by taking part in the pageant. Ellen joining the pageant causes a rift in their friendship and it’s not until right before the pageant that they make up. Three other girls who don’t fit the stereotype of beauty queens join her revolution and work together to get ready for the pageant. Millie, Amanda, Hannah, and Willowdean show support for another and give each other courage to get up there on the stage. Willow’s talent was supposed to be a magic trick but on the day of the pageant she lip syncs and performs Dolly Parton’s song Jolene. Her mother is shocked and upset, and per the rules must disqualify her daughter. Willowdean knew that would happen and is happy with her decision. After the pageant is over, Willow goes down to Harpy’s and tells Bo she’s finally ready to take their relationship public.

When the Netflix film came out for Dumplin’ I watched it right away and fell in love with the fact that Willowdean loved herself for who she was and exuded confidence. As we all know, the book is always better than the movie and that is most definitely true with Dumplin’. Not only does Willowdean love herself, but she is surrounded by people around her that aren’t deterred by her weight, and don’t see it as a way that defines her. This book is great for teaching young readers self-love and to be confident in who they are!

Book Trailer: