Review: Hey, Kiddo

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This graphic novel memoir is rough and not advised for young readers (high school appropriate unless the student will be upset by the profanity). I say that it's rough because the author is brutally honest about his upbringing. His mother was addicted to heroin. He didn’t know who his father was. He was raised by his grandparents who used lots of profanity around him and could be aggressive. But one thing saved him from becoming like his mother, and that was art.

His grandparents encouraged his artistic ability by paying for him to take art classes at the Worcester Art Museum. His art gave him an outlet to explore his ghosts rather than run from them. The detailed author’s note at the end was my favorite part. He recognizes that he became who he both in spite of and because of his mother. He learned from her mistakes; while she squandered her artistic talent, he was determined to make a career out of his. Despite a life full of turmoil, Krosoczka is a successful author & illustrator; his story will be inspirational to students being raised in similar homes. Recommended for mature students.

View all my reviews