1.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krosoczka, Jarrett J. 2018. Hey,
Kiddo. New York: Graphix, Scholastic. ISBN 978-0-545-90248-9
2.
PLOT SUMMARY
Demonstrating remarkable ability as a writer and artist, Jarrett
Krosoczka creates a graphic novel memoir of his early years, replete with continuous
points of hope and resilience to help encourage other readers who may have or
may be living through similar circumstances.
Jarrett chronicles his early memories with his mother, who is a heroin
addict, and he writes candidly and lovingly about Joe and Shirley, his grandparents
who step in to raise Jarrett and care for him. His grandfather Joe gives Jarrett the gift of
a comic book art class at Worcester Art Museum, which serves to recognize and
honor his talent that he inherited from his mother. Jarrett continues to develop and pursue his
artistic work, and he goes on to attend college to study art. Jarrett also includes the experience of
reconnecting with his thus-far absent father and the discovery of his
half-siblings. End pages provide the
reader with additional information about the author’s story, journey, and work,
most notably that he recognizes the love his mother had for him. This is a story of enduring hope and of
honoring the connections that exist among family, however difficult these
connections may be.
Grades 6 and up
3.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Krosoczka’s honesty and candid style as he
tells his story instantly solidifies the story’s believability and, thus, its
power to help others dealing with similar family situations to no longer feel
alone. The characters of the memoir, set
in Worcester, Massachusetts in the late 70s, 80s, and 90s, are thoroughly developed, with many nuances
and details artfully communicated to the reader through the text and illustrations. The reader meets the many members of Jarrett’s
extended family, as well as his friend Pat and other peers and teachers. Krosoczka’s art truly captures the reality of
living with family addiction, with all of its subsidiary consequences and
fallout; yet, a buoyant hope flows through the pages like the ink of the drawings: Jarrett is facing his life as well as
possible—he is feeling his feelings and choosing to pursue his dream. He does not let the failings of others interfere
with his goal to become an illustrator and author. Yet, he is most certainly impacted by his
mother’s actions: “…I always felt the void that Leslie’s absence created.”
The prominent use of the color orange
throughout the memoir is, the reader is informed in the end pages, symbolic of
the bright pocket squares his grandfather Joe would wear. Joe’s love and nurturing rescued and carried
Jarrett and set him on solid ground, and Jarrett honors his grandfather’s
dedication to his well-being in this tangible, beautiful way. Similarly, Krosoczka honors his grandmother
Shirley, who loved pineapples, with endearing pineapple graphics depicted at
the opening of each chapter. The dialogue
and prose of the memoir is written in conversational style, which effectively
assists in establishing the work as a powerful medium for connecting with others
in similar circumstances (now or in the past) and sharing strength in a humble, genuine manner.
Further, the stylistic brilliance of intertwining
the writing and illustrations with personal memorabilia such as letters and
past published illustrations from his growing up years serves to intensify the relatability
and authenticity of the work. The
importance of loving one’s family and protecting them, of holding fast to one’s
dreams, of being authentic and feeling one’s feelings, and of landing in a
place of compassion and forgiveness for others who fail us are some of the many
themes in this remarkable work. In his “A
Note on the Art” section in the end pages, Krosoczka quotes his teacher, friend,
and mentor Mark Lynch reminding him to “celebrate [his] own style.” This masterful work is fully a testament to
his achievement in doing just that.
4.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2019 GOLDEN KITE AWARD FOR NON-FICTION FOR
OLDER READERS
2019 HARVEY AWARDS BOOK OF THE YEAR
2020 AUDIE AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT
2018 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
From
Booklist: “There have been a slew of graphic memoirs published for youth
in the past couple of years, but the raw, confessional quality and unguarded
honesty of Krosoczka’s contribution sets it apart from the crowd.”
From Publishers Weekly: “This nuanced graphic memoir portrays a whole
family and tells a story of finding identity among a life’s complications.”
CONNECTIONS
Students could write letters to young
Jarrett to affirm his worth and value, even if his biological parents were not
able to/did not choose to see this. The
letters could include encouragement for him and words of hope that his life
will have purpose, and brighter days are ahead.
Students could write an essay about
their favorite hobby or activity (like drawing and art for Jarrett) that helps
them feel grounded and connected to their true selves. Class discussion could include emphasis of
the importance of continuing to develop these hobbies and activities throughout
the years. Students could share their
essays with the class, if desired.
