School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up--High school seniors Deja and Josiah ("Josie") are working their final shift at the world's corniest pumpkin patch. Josie already misses his days at the patch, while Deja is on a mission to experience as many things as possible on her last night, including eating plenty of Frito pie. Along the way, she wants to yank Josie out of his comfort zone and open up his world--no regrets allowed. The characters in this graphic novel are so expressive and authentic, it's impossible not to love them. The dialogue is cute, funny, and punny, and the speech bubbles are well placed. Adorably illustrated and titled chapter headings will heighten readers' anticipation of wacky moments. The palette is charmingly autumnal, and dynamic backgrounds, with vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and twilight purples and blues, convey the fall festival atmosphere. The panel layouts advance the action smoothly and evoke the feeling of young love and of breathlessly standing on the brink of change. VERDICT There's something for everyone in this joyful, tender book. Fans of Rowell and Hicks will gobble up this graphic novel like it's Frito pie, and after just one nibble, newcomers will do the same--and ask for seconds.--Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT
Publisher's Weekly Review
For the last several years, high schoolers Deja and Josiah (Josie) have been best friends during autumn, working together at the Pumpkin Patch's Succotash Hut. On Halloween, the last day of their final year working at the Patch, outgoing Deja, a plus-size black girl who has dated many of the Patch's staffers--girls and boys alike--intends to make sure that responsible, quiet Josie, who is white, finally talks to his long-standing crush, a young woman who works at the Fudge Shoppe. A packed night at the Patch leads to the duo pursuing "Fudge Girl" through the grounds, reliving memories, averting catastrophes, eating all their favorite snacks, and savoring one last autumnal night together. Art by Hicks (Comics Will Break Your Heart) turns the sweetly witty dialogue by Rowell (Carry On) into a miniature autumn universe; precise, affectionate details (signage, costumes, endpaper maps) will coax readers to revel in the cozy atmosphere. The pacing is assured, driving along in short bursts that leave room for key scenes to stretch, but it's the primary characters' authentic friendship--built over several seasons working alongside one another--and the variously inclusive cast that really bring this funny last-day story home. Ages 14--up. (Aug.)
Horn Book Review
Graduating high-school seniors Josiah and Deja have worked together at DeKnocks World Famous Pumpkin Patch Autumn Jamboree every fall for the past three years; their final shift on Halloween is marked by both wistful nostalgia and a sense of new beginnings. Deja is determined to help Josiah work up the courage to finally approach his crush, Fudge Shoppe Girl. As they pursue Fudge Shoppe Girl through the pumpkin patchs various attractions, easily bantering the entire way, it gradually becomes obvious to readers that their friendship could blossom into something more. Blue-eyed, blond Josiah is industrious, earnest, and insecure. Plus-sized, dark-skinned Deja is extroverted and charming; amid several madcap adventures over the course of the evening, she runs into various exesboth boys and girls. Fudge Shoppe Girl turns out to be a something of a MacGuffin, a plot device to jumpstart the wild goose chase, and when Josiah finally does track her down, he is underwhelmed, and realizes hed rather spend the time with Deja. Rowells dialogue is sharp and punchy, while Hickss panel illustrations, dominated by various shades of purple, orange, red, and yellow, expertly capture the lovable main characters and the entertaining particulars of this autumnal setting. Expect this tender, sweet romance to be popular with a wide range of readersand lets hope this isnt the last graphic novel collaboration between Rowell and Hicks. jonathan hunt September/October 2019 p.98(c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.