Dumplin'

A memorable title character with a unique voice, an incisive portrayal of pageant and football-crazy life in small-town Texas, secondary characters with their own interesting arcs and a not always predictable plot make this an above average YA novel that kept me turning the pages. The ending was a little too abrupt, but I don't think tying up everything in a nice big bow would have worked for Willowdean - at her age and stage of life, hopeful is the best you can get.