Books Like Dumplin'
Families who loved Dumplin' by Julie Murphy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Dumplin' by Julie Murphy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager begins to struggle with body image or when the pressure of social comparison starts to affect their self-worth. It is an essential read for the transition into high school dating and navigating the complex dynamics of female friendships. The story follows Willowdean, a self-assured plus-size girl whose confidence is tested when she starts falling for a boy she thinks is out of her league. To reclaim her sense of self, she enters a local beauty pageant, challenging small-town stereotypes along the way. This book is a powerful tool for normalizing conversations about body positivity and the internal work required to maintain self-esteem in a world obsessed with appearances. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are ready for realistic depictions of teenage romance and social hierarchies.
