A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling to manage a short temper or big, overwhelming emotions. "Pumpkinheads" is a graphic novel about Alix, a talented hockey player whose flashes of anger threaten her spot at a prestigious national training camp. In a desperate move, she asks Ezra, a calm and popular theater kid, to teach her self-control. This story explores themes of anger management, emotional vulnerability, and looking past surface impressions. It's a relatable and constructive read for teens that normalizes asking for help and shows that everyone has their own hidden struggles.
Focuses on crushes and the development of a sweet, budding romance.
Sensitive Topics
The book's primary focus is on anger management and the effects of bullying. The approach is direct and secular, presenting emotional regulation as a learnable skill. The resolution is hopeful, suggesting that while managing emotions is an ongoing process, connection and self-awareness make it possible. The bullying is presented as a realistic trigger, not an excused one.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-16, who struggles with a quick temper, feels their emotions are uncontrollable, or faces intense pressure in a competitive field like sports. It would also strongly resonate with readers who enjoy 'opposites attract' romances and stories about finding support in unexpected places.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is needed; the book can be read cold. Parents may want to be aware of the initial fight scene to understand the context of Alix's struggle. The book serves as an excellent, non-preachy conversation starter about healthy coping mechanisms and what to do when you feel overwhelmed by anger. A parent receives a call from a coach or teacher about their child's angry outburst or fight. The parent may hear their teen say something like, "I can't help it, I just get so mad!" and feels at a loss for how to help.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect with the relatable school setting, the sports drama, and the sweet, developing romance. An older teen (15-17) will appreciate the more nuanced exploration of emotional regulation, the vulnerability of asking for help, and the theme that a person's public persona often hides a more complex reality.
What Makes It Special
This book's uniqueness lies in its framing of emotional control as a teachable skill, using the unexpected context of theater and acting. It gives a female protagonist a traditionally 'masculine' emotional struggle (uncontrolled anger in sports) and explores it with depth and empathy. The graphic novel format visually conveys internal emotional states effectively.
Read plot summary
Star hockey player Alix has an anger problem. After a fight with a mean teammate gets her benched and jeopardizes her future, she asks the seemingly poised and popular theater kid, Ezra, to help her learn emotional control. Through a series of acting exercises and candid conversations, they form an unlikely bond. Alix discovers that Ezra's calm exterior hides his own anxieties, and their friendship blossoms into a potential romance as they help each other navigate their internal struggles.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Alix asks Ezra for help because he seems so calm and collected. How does Ezra's reality differ from what Alix expected, and what does this teach us about judging people by their appearances?
2
The story starts with Alix lashing out at her teammate Lindsay. Do you think Alix's anger was justified, even if her reaction wasn't? What are some other ways she could have handled Lindsay's comments?
3
Ezra uses techniques from acting to help Alix manage her feelings. What does this suggest about the connection between art and emotions? Could you use a hobby of yours to better understand your own feelings?
4
Alix is worried her anger will ruin her hockey career. Do you think female athletes are judged more harshly for showing anger than male athletes? Why or why not?
