Hey, Kiddo: A Graphic Novel

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Book Overview

The powerful, unforgettable graphic memoir from Jarrett Krosoczka, about growing up with a drug-addicted mother, a missing father, and two unforgettably opinionated grandparents.

In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery -- Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents -- two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father. Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0545902487
• ISBN13: 9780545902489
• Release Date: October 2018
• Publisher: Graphix
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

Beautiful

Stories like this need to be told.

Beautiful, raw and honest memoir about growing up with a mom struggling with heroin addiction.

I really enjoyed this book

This was a great book. It was my first graphic novel and I really enjoyed it. No of course it isn’t for young children (referencing the other review) I am 57 and I found this a great read which I read nearly in one sitting. Inspiring story of a difficult childhood. Highly recommend it.

A beautiful book about resilience and non-traditional families

In this deeply personal illustrated autobiography, Jarrett Krosoczka shares how he overcame adversity in his life to start the path to become a professional artist. Beautifully illustrated and sensitively told with empathy and often humor, many young readers will find a lifeline in this book. Hey, Kiddo is written for young adults (grade 9+/age 14+). While Krosoczka is best known for his children's books, it's important to read the summary of a book, and look at its intended audience, before judging for a readership (re: young children) for which it is not expressly intended. That said, Jarrett Krosoczka experienced what he writes about in this book as a child, and some children will see themselves in the narrative. Addiction is a real problem in the United States and real children are affected--Their stories deserve to be heard. Younger readers (under age 14) should ideally process the content of this book with a trusted adult.