Dumplin

It’s two months later, and Willowdean thinks that “Bo has become the best and worst part of [her] day” (73). She loves kissing Bo, but she hates when Bo’s hands start to touch her body. Every night after work, they visit the park at the elementary school. Willowdean hops in Bo’s truck and he kisses her.

One night, even though Willowdean didn’t tell anyone at work it was her birthday, Bo gives her a birthday gift bag. In the bag, she finds a Magic 8 Ball, a metal slinky, and silly putty. She almost misses the last gift in the bag until Bo pulls out a pair of bright red heart-shaped glasses. Willowdean loves them.

Willowdean doesn’t see her mother much. Being so busy with the pageant, her mother often falls asleep by the time Willowdean gets home. One night, Willowdean gets a text message from Ellen. Ellen is angry that Willowdean promised to go to Tim’s house after work but forgot. Willowdean also receives a text message from Bo wishing her a good night.

The next morning, Willowdean wakes up to Ellen outside Willowdean’s house ringing the doorbell. Willowdean questions why Ellen is so happy so early. It’s hot outside, but Ellen makes Willowdean go with her to the mall to pick up Ellen’s paycheck even though Willowdean hates Sweet 16 for its lack of big sizes and for its tiny t-shirts that read: “I’m too pretty to do my homework” (82).