Books like Dumplin'

A big-hearted, Dolly Parton-fueled anthem about taking up space and finding the courage to be unapologetically yourself. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Dumplin'.

warm
triumphant
summery
nostalgic

01
Seventeen and in Between
Barthe DeClements · 1984
An earnest, nostalgic journey through the messy intersection of lingering childhood insecurities and the complicated dawn of young adulthood.
Shares:
- nostalgic
02
Shug
Jenny Han
A tender, bittersweet snapshot of the exact moment when childhood friendships begin to change and the world suddenly feels too big.
Shares:
- nostalgic
03
The fill-in boyfriend
Kasie West
A sweet, trope-driven high school romance where a desperate prom-night lie blossoms into a genuine, swoon-worthy connection.
Shares:
- nostalgic
04
Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade
Barthe DeClements · 1981
A raw, honest look at the cruelty of the classroom that slowly thaws into a story of unexpected solidarity and grace.
Shares:
- nostalgic
05
Holding Up the Universe
Jennifer Niven
A tender, dual-perspective romance about the profound relief of finally being seen for who you truly are.
Shares:
- vulnerable
06
The earth, my butt, and other big, round things
Carolyn Mackler
A funny, fiercely honest journey of a girl learning to stop shrinking and start taking up the space she deserves.
Shares:
- vulnerable
- wry
- taking up space
07
You Should See Me in a Crown
Leah Johnson (Young adult author)
A joyful, anxiety-laced, and ultimately triumphant celebration of queer Black girlhood and the courage it takes to take up space.
Shares:
- warm
- triumphant
08
Raymie Nightingale
Kate DiCamillo
A tender, sun-baked exploration of childhood loneliness and the eccentric friendships that save us.
Shares:
- nostalgic
- wry
09
The upside of unrequited
Becky Albertalli
A warm, witty, and deeply relatable exploration of the terrifying leap between crushing from afar and risking your heart in the real world.
Shares:
- warm
- wry
10
Cake pop crush
Suzanne Nelson
A sugar-dusted, feel-good romp about rivalry, recipes, and the sweet surprise of a first crush.
Shares:
- warm
11
Audrey, wait!
Robin Benway
A frenetic, sun-drenched joyride through the chaos of accidental fame and teenage romance.
Shares:
- wry
12
Stand tall, Molly Lou Melon
Patty Lovell · 1994
A joyful, chest-puffing celebration of owning exactly who you are, quirks and all.
Shares:
- warm
- triumphant

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