A National Book Award Finalist!
Step into the extraordinary life of Jarrett Krosoczka in the powerful graphic memoir, Hey, Kiddo. This unforgettable story captures the essence of a childhood filled with both challenges and triumphs, as Jarrett navigates the complexities of growing up with a drug-addicted mother and a father he knows nothing about. Despite the odds stacked against him, Jarrett's story is one of resilience, hope, and the healing power of art.
As a young boy, Jarrett finds himself drawing his family for a school assignment, an innocent task that quickly reveals the unusual nature of his life. Living with his loud and loving grandparents, who had resigned themselves to a child-free life until he arrived, Jarrett faces the harsh realities of addiction and familial instability. His mother’s struggles with rehab and her intermittent presence loom large over his childhood. Though he longs for a traditional family, Jarrett learns to embrace the chaos, channeling his feelings into art and storytelling, creating a lifeline for himself.
Through beautifully illustrated pages, Hey, Kiddo unfolds as both a personal journey and a universal message of hope. As Jarrett matures into his teenage years, he embarks on a quest to understand his family’s past, seeking to reconnect with his mother and unravel the mystery of his father. This poignant narrative explores not only the impact of addiction but also the ways in which creativity can serve as a powerful tool for coping and self-discovery.
This graphic memoir not only highlights the importance of family and connection but also showcases how art can help overcome life's toughest challenges. Hey, Kiddo is a must-read for anyone who believes in the redemptive power of storytelling and creativity, making it an essential addition to any modern library.
