Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Autumn loving, they had a blast; autumn loving, it happened too fast.Having worked together in the Succotash Hut at the pumpkin patch for years, best friends and co-workers Deja and Josiah, who goes by Josie, ditch work and find love on their last night, heading out in search of Josie's unrequited love, the girl who works in the Fudge Shoppe. Deja, a witty and outgoing girl who attracts—and is attracted to—boys and girls alike, is set on helping the shy, rule-following Josie move out of his comfort zone before they part ways for college. Deja encourages Josie to take a chance and talk to the girl of his dreams instead of pining for her from afar. Not to be dissuaded by his reticence, Deja leads Josie to multiple stops in the Patch in search of the almost-impossible-to-find Fudge Girl, with every stop taking them in a new direction and providing a new treat. As they journey through the Patch—chasing a snack-stealing rascal, dodging a runaway goat, and snacking their way through treats from fudge to Freeto pie—they explore the boundaries of their friendship. Visually bright and appealing in autumnal reds, oranges, and yellows, the art enhances this endearing picture of teenage love. Deja is a beautiful, plus-sized black girl, and Josie is a handsome, blond white boy.A heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity. (Graphic fiction. 14-18)

ALA Booklist (Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

It's Halloween, and after three years of manning the succotash hut together, it's the last night Josie and Deja will work at their beloved pumpkin patch. Tall, blond, Josie is dismayed that their lives will never be the same, while Black, chubby Deja is determined to make the most of their last day. Her mission? Get Josie to finally talk to his crush. What follows is a rapid-fire circuit of the pumpkin patch involving bribery, swapped shifts, missed connections, a snack-thieving kid, and Josie's rival for most-valuable pumpkin patch employee, not to mention a corn maze, petting zoo, and hayrack ride, where Josie finally gets his chance. Hick's cheerful, big-eyed cartoon figures are a great match for Rowell's playful, often awkward characters, and she draws the pumpkin-patch scenes with bustling activity, which adds to the lively atmosphere and fast-paced plot. Though readers might easily pick up on where the story's going and the quick-moving scenes don't allow much room for character development, this lighthearted, feel-good comic will find plenty of fans.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Rowell's one of the biggest names in YA; don't be surprised if readers who otherwise turn their nose up at comics seek this one out.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Autumn loving, they had a blast; autumn loving, it happened too fast.Having worked together in the Succotash Hut at the pumpkin patch for years, best friends and co-workers Deja and Josiah, who goes by Josie, ditch work and find love on their last night, heading out in search of Josie's unrequited love, the girl who works in the Fudge Shoppe. Deja, a witty and outgoing girl who attracts—and is attracted to—boys and girls alike, is set on helping the shy, rule-following Josie move out of his comfort zone before they part ways for college. Deja encourages Josie to take a chance and talk to the girl of his dreams instead of pining for her from afar. Not to be dissuaded by his reticence, Deja leads Josie to multiple stops in the Patch in search of the almost-impossible-to-find Fudge Girl, with every stop taking them in a new direction and providing a new treat. As they journey through the Patch—chasing a snack-stealing rascal, dodging a runaway goat, and snacking their way through treats from fudge to Freeto pie—they explore the boundaries of their friendship. Visually bright and appealing in autumnal reds, oranges, and yellows, the art enhances this endearing picture of teenage love. Deja is a beautiful, plus-sized black girl, and Josie is a handsome, blond white boy.A heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity. (Graphic fiction. 14-18)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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.)