Bibliography
Krosoczka, Jarrett J. (2018). HEY, KIDDO: HOW I LOST MY MOTHER FOUND MY FATHER, AND DEALT WITH FAMILY ADDICTION . Ill. Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Scholastic Graphix: New York. ISBN: 978-0-545-90247-2
Plot Summary
The graphic novel adaptation of Jarrett J. Krosoczka's profoundly honest autobiography is a memorable tale. Leslie, Jarrett's drug-addicted mother, had him outside of marriage. He didn't find out the name of his father until he was a senior in high school. Jarrett was significantly impacted by Leslie's drug habit, but he was fortunate to be adopted by his grandparents and have the supportive love of a little family. Krosoczka emphasizes instances from his early life that shaped who he is today.
Critical Analysis
The graphic novel HEY KIDDO: HOW I LOST MY MOTHER, FOUND MY FATHER, AND DEAL WITH FAMILY ADDICTION chronicles Jarrett J. Krosoczka's life story in his own words and drawings. It is an autobiography that reveals to the reader the suffering, perplexity, and disappointment he experienced as a result of his mother's drug addiction. His appreciation for his grandparents raising him as a result of their intervention developed with time. The phrase "Hey Kiddo" that appears in the song's title is one that Jarrett's grandfather frequently used. Because he discusses his experiences in Massachusetts during his elementary, middle, and high school years, and because the incidents are typical for the various age groups, the novel will appeal greatly to young adult readers.
He candidly discusses his feelings and views against the grownups in his life, as well as the rage he experienced over not knowing who his father was. His life seemed to me to be like riding a roller coaster; there were high points, as when his artwork was published or when he went on an excursion with friends or family, but there were also many terrible points. He received frequent letters from his mother, which initially made him happy but eventually made him unhappy. As he gets older, his attitude begins to shift toward disappointment. To give the reader a sense of his mother and who she was, he intersperses the narrative with images of her letters and drawings. At one point in the narrative, his grandfather demanded that he go see her at the halfway house where she was residing even though he didn't want to. The meeting went well, but he is honest about his displeasure following the meeting. When his father reached out to him in his late adolescence, Krosoczka's confusion and wonder reached a new level. He questioned his father's character and whether he had any siblings. At some point, he did get to know his father and half-siblings. It ended up being another triumph for him. He reveals to the reader in his Author's Note that he is still in touch with his siblings and that they get along well.
I was surprised by how quickly I became engrossed in his life story as a reader. Because of his writing's candor about his feelings and experiences, I felt a connection to him. That his life is currently riding the high point of the roller coaster made me happy to read. Additionally, Krosoczka includes pictures of objects from his life to further bind the reader to the narrative. He discusses how profoundly the passing of his grandparents affected him. He really loved them and was grateful for everything they done for him for a variety of reasons. It is quite moving. He explains the illustrations and his sketches in the book's final part.
Review Excerpts
KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review - "Honest, important, and timely."
THE HORN BOOK, starred review - "Krosoczka has meticulously crafted a severely honest portrayal of addiction, resilient familial love, and the healing power of art..."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review - "A must-have, this book will empower readers."
Connections
*Topics to be discussed: addiction, family, effects on children with addicted parents, non-traditional families, and following your dreams.
Awards Won
National Book Award Finalist
Denver Public Library's Best & Brightest Books of 2018 Booklist Editors' Choice YouthCBC/TeenReads.com
Teen Choice AwardsALSC Notable Children's BooksIn the Margins Recommended Nonfiction Book List and a Top Ten TitleAction Book Club
TLA Texas Topaz Reading List for NonfictionPA Young Reader's Choice
Masterlist Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literacy Awards (The Cybils) WinnerIndies Choice Best Young Adult Finalist
EBSCO SEE-IT Award (Finalist)
Ann Arbor Kids Read Comics Awards Nominee
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Master List)
Oklahoma Sequoyah Masterlist
Other Graphic Novels that Face Social Issues
Reynolds, Jason. (2020). LONG WAY DOWN. Atheneum Books: New York.
ISBN: 978-1-534-44495-9
Anderson, Laurie H. (2018). SPEAK. Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux: New York.
ISBN: 978-0-670-01210-7
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