Mexikid

Mexikid
Pedro Martin
Dial, 2023

309 pages
Grades 3-6
Graphic Memoir

Meet Pedro-or Peter-depending on where he is. Pedro is of Mexican heritage with immigrant parents, but was born in the US where he goes to school, watches TV, reads comics, and collects dolls (ahem, action figures). Pedro, his parents, and his eight brothers and sisters are squished into a small California house in the middle of the 1970's. Now Abuelo must move in, but where will they put him? Abuelo is super old and took part in the Mexican Revolution, so he is a tough guy. Pedro's family hops into the camper van and travels down to Abuelo's Mexican town to bring him back stateside. Abuelo has many loose ends to tie up, including relocating his late-wife's body after the cemetery floods. The older kids travel in the family's pickup truck and enjoy a bit of freedom. Pedro is stuck in the camper with his parents, boring food, and three rambunctious brothers. Is there a way for Pedro to make a name for himself within his busy family besides being "the round one"? Towards the end of the story a situation presents itself to help make Pedro shine, but is he up for the challenge? Will his family ever take him seriously?

Martin, a long time graphic artist, finally breaks through to children's graphic novels in this hilarious full-color debut. The 1970's setting is fully realized and I related to the story even though I grew up on the other coast in a much different household. Cultural references, such as Happy Days and the Fronz, will go over contemporary children's heads. Kids in big families will relate (do we still have those?) and those without will wish they were part of this unruly mob. There are a lot of characters, but a helpful guide at the beginning tells us who is who. The artist helpfully gives our hero a bad haircut early on in the novel, which helps him stand out. As one would expect from a book featuring a Mexican family, many words are spoken in Spanish. Martin adds clues when the character is speaking in Spanish (but leaves the words in English) or leaves translated footnotes at the bottom of the page. Will the 1970's setting put off today's tech savvy readers? Maybe, but readers will appreciate the freedom and danger afforded Pedro and his siblings. These young boys hang out alone on the top of the camper, set off fireworks, and eat copious amount of junk food. There are many gross-out bits that will appeal to the target audience, but may put some parents off. Actual photos at the end of the volume show the reader the whole cast of characters and lend authenticity to the proceedings. At times laugh-aloud funny, kids will both relate to Pedro and be entertained by the outrageousness of his family and times. And any author that can slip in Shipoopi (a past favorite ditty in my household) in a winner in my book!