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Dumplin

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Julie Murphy

Dumplin

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

710L

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Super Short Summary

In Dumplin' by Julie Murphy, Texas teen Willowdean “Will” Dixon navigates self-acceptance and complex relationships with her beauty pageant-winning mother, Rosie, her best friend, Ellen, and her romantic interest, Bo. Will, a plus-sized girl, decides to compete in her mother’s Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant, challenging conventional beauty standards and discovering her own strengths and beauty along the way. Sensitive topics in the book include discussions of body image, grief, and the health implications of obesity.

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Humorous

Emotional

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

94,256 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dumplin by Julie Murphy receives praise for its empowering message and relatable protagonist, Willowdean. Critics appreciate the book's positive representation of body image and self-acceptance. While some reviews note a predictable plot and underdeveloped secondary characters, the overall charm and humor contribute to an engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dumplin?

Readers who relish heartwarming, body-positive stories with relatable, strong-willed protagonists will enjoy Julie Murphy's Dumplin'. Fans of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park will appreciate the genuine friendships and self-acceptance themes. Ideal for young adults seeking empowerment and authentic representation.

4.1

94,256 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Texas • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

710L

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