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.

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.

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

- Dumplin' was adapted into a Netflix film released in 2018, which was directed by Anne Fletcher and featured Jennifer Aniston as one of the main characters.
- Author Julie Murphy was inspired to write Dumplin' after listening to Dolly Parton songs, which play a significant thematic and cultural role within the narrative.
- The novel Dumplin' addresses themes of self-confidence and body positivity, receiving praise for its empowering portrayal of a teenage protagonist who challenges societal norms.

**Willowdean "Will" Dixon**  
Willowdean is a self-aware teenager from Clover City, Texas, who challenges traditional beauty norms by entering the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant. She grapples with insecurities related to her weight, relationships, and her late aunt Lucy's memory.

**Ellen Dryver**  
Ellen is Willowdean's best friend since childhood, known for her confidence and optimism, who works at Sweet 16. Despite their close bond, tension arises as Ellen forms a new friendship with Callie.

**Bo Larson**  
Bo is Willowdean's charming coworker from Harpy's Burgers & Dogs who develops a romantic interest in her. He shares a sense of understanding with Willowdean, as they both cope with personal loss.

**Dolly Parton**  
Dolly Parton is a beloved country music singer whose songs are a source of inspiration for Willowdean and her Aunt Lucy. Her music is a recurring theme that supports the narrative.

**Rosie Dixon**  
Rosie is Willowdean's mother and a former Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant winner who organizes the pageant annually. She prioritizes traditional beauty norms, leading to tension with Willowdean.

**Aunt Lucy**  
Aunt Lucy, who passed away before the story begins, was a significant influence on Willowdean and shared a love for Dolly Parton. Her memory is a guiding force for Willowdean's actions.

**Mitch Lewis**  
Mitch is a football player at Willowdean's school who is kind and sincere. He dates Willowdean, offering her companionship and support, though she maintains feelings for Bo.

**Millie Michalchuk**  
Millie is a classmate of Willowdean's who, despite her parents' disapproval, enters the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant. She provides an example of confidence and determination.

**Amanda Lombard**  
Amanda is Millie’s best friend, known for her uneven legs and skillful pageant performance involving a soccer ball. Her talent surprises others and contributes to challenging societal norms.

**Hannah Perez**  
Hannah is a schoolmate of Willowdean and a pageant participant who sings beautifully. She initially appears abrasive, but she forms a friendship with Willowdean and reveals personal insights.

**Callie**  
Callie is Ellen's coworker at Sweet 16 and a new friend who competes in the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant. She creates tension in Willowdean's friendship with Ellen.

**Tim**  
Tim is Ellen's laid-back boyfriend who plays a significant role in helping Ellen and Willowdean reconcile. He and Ellen share a supportive relationship that Willowdean admires.

**Patrick Thomas**  
Patrick is the school bully and football player known for his mean remarks, particularly targeting Willowdean and her friends. His actions create challenges for Willowdean and her peers.

**Bekah Cotter**  
Bekah is a strong competitor in the Miss Teen Blue Bonnet Pageant known for her baton twirling talent. Her relationship with Bo sparks jealousy in Willowdean.

**Ron**  
Ron is Willowdean’s boss at Harpy’s Burgers & Dogs, where he values her work and asks her to return after she quits. He plays a background role in the work setting.

Julie Murphy

Novel

Dumplin'

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dumplin and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dumplin Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Dumplin Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-11

Dumplin Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Dumplin Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-21

Dumplin Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-28

Dumplin Chapters 22-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-31

Dumplin Chapters 29-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-35

Dumplin Chapters 32-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-38

Dumplin Chapters 36-38 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 39-44

Dumplin Chapters 39-44 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 45-48

Dumplin Chapters 45-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-54

Dumplin Chapters 49-54 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 55-61

Dumplin Chapters 55-61 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Dumplin Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Dumplin Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Dumplin Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Dumplin Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Dumplin Essay Topics

Dumplin

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dumplin?

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