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Return to the beloved world of Julie Murphy’s #1 New York Times bestselling Dumplin’—now a popular Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Aniston—in this fabulously joyful, final companion novel about drag, prom, and embracing your inner Queen.

Waylon Russell Brewer is a fat, openly gay boy stuck in the small West Texas town of Clover City. His plan is to bide his time until he can graduate, move to Austin with his twin sister, Clementine, and finally go Full Waylon so that he can live his Julie-the-hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music-Andrews truth.

So when Clementine deviates from their master plan right after Waylon gets dumped, he throws caution to the wind and creates an audition tape for his favorite TV drag show, Fiercest of Them All. What he doesn’t count on is the tape getting accidentally shared with the entire school. . . . As a result, Waylon is nominated for prom queen as a joke. Clem’s girlfriend, Hannah Perez, also receives a joke nomination for prom king.

Waylon and Hannah decide there’s only one thing to do: run—and leave high school with a bang. A very glittery bang. Along the way, Waylon discovers that there is a lot more to running for prom court than campaign posters and plastic crowns, especially when he has to spend so much time with the very cute and infuriating prom king nominee Tucker Watson.

Waylon will need to learn that the best plan for tomorrow is living for today . . . especially with the help of some fellow queens. . . .

Pumpkin (Dumplin') by Julie Murphy: A Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance

In the vibrant town of Clover City, Texas, Willowdean Dickson, affectionately known as "Dumplin'," finds herself entangled in a whirlwind of self-discovery, friendship, and first love in Julie Murphy's poignant and heartwarming novel, "Pumpkin." With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and exploration of body image and self-acceptance, "Pumpkin" is a must-read for young adults and anyone seeking a story that celebrates individuality and personal growth.

Will, as she prefers to be called, is a confident, plus-size teenager who embraces her curves and unapologetically asserts her presence in a small town obsessed with appearances. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her beauty pageant-obsessed mother, Rosie, decides to run for the local Miss Clover City pageant. Will, inspired by her mother's bold decision, embarks on a journey of her own, entering the pageant to challenge societal norms and make a statement about self-love and acceptance.

As Will navigates the challenges of the pageant, she forms an unlikely friendship with Ellen, a fellow contestant with her own struggles and secrets. Together, they find strength in their shared experiences and support each other through the ups and downs of the competition. Along the way, Will crosses paths with Bo, a charming and enigmatic boy, and their connection adds a layer of complexity to her already complicated life.

"Pumpkin" delves into important themes such as body image, self-acceptance, and the pressures of societal expectations. Through Will's journey, Murphy skillfully portrays the struggles and triumphs of a young woman who learns to love herself unconditionally and embrace her uniqueness. The novel also sheds light on the complexities of relationships, both familial and romantic, and the power of friendship in shaping our lives.

With its engaging characters, captivating storyline, and thought-provoking themes, "Pumpkin" is a novel that stays with readers long after they turn the final page. It is a celebration of self-love, a challenge to societal norms, and a poignant reminder that true beauty lies within.