Hey, Kiddo

Hey, Kiddo
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Graphix/Scholastic, Oct., 2018 320 pages
Grades 7-Up
Graphic Memoir

Krosoczka offers an honest and unflinching account of his childhood from his early days living with a drug addicted mother through his school days living with his grandparents. Jarrett's grandparents were heavy drinkers and smokers, who often communicate by yelling, yet managed to give him a stable and happy childhood. We see through Jarrett's eyes the love and hurt he has for his mother as she spends time in prison, is released, tries to get her life on track, and falls back into drugs. Throughout it all, she is kind, yet flawed. He has natural resentment towards her, yet delevopes understanding and peace by book's end. Krosoczka highlights the love and support gleaned from his extended family, friendships, and, eventually, finds his estranged father and half-siblings. By book's end Jarrett has learned two important truths in life: our family is what we make it and does not have to be defined by blood and that art can be a life-line. An author's note at the end tells us a little more of the story, what the future holds for the characters, and reassurance that out hero turns out okay, despite being raised in the shadow of addiction.

A complete departure from Krosoczka's usual work (Lunch Lady series/Jedi Academy) and for an older audience, the veteran cartoonist turns to his own past to deliver a powerful memoir from his own childhood. Perfect for the graduates of Smile or Sunny Side Up, Krosoczka's account is personal, honest, and heart-felt. I related to the story, having also been affected by addiction, and found myself getting very emotional, especially during the author's note at the end. Readers will certainly also relate to Krosoczka's story, whether or not they live with addiction, and will empathize with his experience. The story isn't all sad. There are funny bits, regular growing up moments, and coming of age experiences. I love how Krosoczka delivers the message about the importance of art in his life, which will also be relatable to many. The illustrations are striking and looser than his usual work. Krosoczka uses orange as an accent color, which he explains is the color of his grandfather's pocket handkerchief. I love the pineapple wallpaper that is used as chapter pages and was created from collaging from the original in his grandparent’s house. This is a book with a lot of heart that becomes obvious to the reader comes from a very personal place. It will show young readers that their stories are not alone and that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. And most of all: find your passion and your healthy people and surround yourself with that which is good. Most of all, families are messy, but that doesn't mean we stop loving them.