Book Review of Hey, Kiddo

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.