{My thoughts} – I am a huge fan of Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s illustrations in the Jedi Academy books. When I’d seen this book was coming out I wanted to read it so that I could learn more about the artist and writer. Jarrett didn’t have what would be considered a normal upbringing but to him and his family it was by all accounts normal. It was all he or they knew.

As an adult I am able to relate to a lot of the issues and struggles mentioned within the pages of this book. I can relate to being raised by my grandparents. I can relate to them not always getting along and lots of arguing and fighting. I can relate to the alcohol abuse by one grandparent. Although. in my case it was my grandfather that did the drinking and my grandmother that did most of the yelling. I can relate to not having a mother or a father around. I can relate to having a mother being in and out of my life, but for different reasons then that of what Jarrett’s mother had gone through. I can relate to not knowing or meeting my father until I was well into my teenage years. I can relate to considering my grandparents were my only parents. I can relate to all of that and more within the pages of this book.

Jarrett might not have had the ideal childhood, but he did something that most people don’t. He didn’t let himself become a victim of circumstances and situation and he made the most out of what life had offered him. He proved to his grandparents that his true passion was in his art and they supported him attending art school. Through that support from his family he was able to make a name for himself. He was able to be someone. He was able to be better then his own mother and father.

I really enjoyed reading through this book. At many points it made me feel sad for him and what he’d been through. At other points it made me want to laugh and cry. Through his words and illustrations he was able to pull me into the story of his life. He was able to show me what he’d been through, what he’d overcome and what he was able to achieve.

I recommend this book for any child that is mature enough to handle the content and the language within it’s pages. There is so much that can be learned from within the pages of this book and it would be a crime to prevent children from reading it and seeing that they can become more, with the proper support and desire to be more then their circumstances. ( )

Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s graphic memoir, "Hey, Kiddo," is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of family, addiction, and the search for identity. Through a blend of powerful storytelling and evocative illustrations, Krosoczka opens up about his tumultuous upbringing with a raw honesty that resonates long after the final page.

"Hey, Kiddo" follows Jarrett's journey from childhood to adolescence, growing up with his grandparents after his mother’s struggles with heroin addiction make it impossible for her to care for him. This memoir doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, instead presenting them with a candidness that is both refreshing and heartbreaking. Krosoczka's narrative is unflinchingly honest, capturing the pain, confusion, and longing that defined his early years, as well as the resilience and love that ultimately helped him find his way.

The artwork in "Hey, Kiddo" is a crucial part of its storytelling. Krosoczka’s illustrations are expressive and emotive, using a limited color palette that enhances the memoir’s emotional depth. The sepia tones and sketch-like quality of the drawings evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the occasional bursts of color highlight moments of significance and emotional intensity. This artistic choice effectively mirrors the highs and lows of Jarrett’s life, drawing readers deeper into his personal experiences.

One of the most striking aspects of "Hey, Kiddo" is its portrayal of family dynamics. Krosoczka's grandparents are vividly brought to life, depicted with both their flaws and their fierce love for Jarrett. His complex relationship with his mother is handled with great sensitivity, showing not just the pain of her absence, but also the enduring hope and desire for connection. These relationships are the heart of the memoir, illustrating the profound impact of family—both biological and chosen—on Jarrett’s development and sense of self.

In addition to its emotional depth, "Hey, Kiddo" is also a story of artistic discovery and personal growth. Krosoczka’s journey towards becoming an artist is woven throughout the narrative, showing how art provided him with an outlet for his emotions and a means of making sense of his world. This aspect of the memoir is inspiring, highlighting the transformative power of creativity and the importance of pursuing one’s passions.

"Hey, Kiddo" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story about overcoming adversity, finding strength in unexpected places, and the enduring power of love and support. Krosoczka's ability to convey complex emotions and experiences with such clarity and compassion makes this memoir a truly exceptional work.

In conclusion, "Hey, Kiddo" is a beautifully crafted memoir that offers a compelling and deeply personal look at the challenges of growing up in the shadow of addiction. Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s skillful blend of art and narrative creates a powerful and unforgettable reading experience. This is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages, offering both solace and inspiration. A must-read for anyone who has faced adversity or is seeking to understand the complexities of family and personal resilience. ( )

Content warning: heroin addiction, absent parents ( )

This is a powerful story, no doubt. I think maybe this book didn't impact me as much because I've seen the author's TED talk that covers most of what's in the book. It's still a great book.

My favorite character was Grandma Shirley or "Shirl" as she's called. She reminded me of some older women I know who go against every grandma stereotype. Rough language, rough manners, a kind of coldness on display most of the time. In an early sequence in the book, Krosoczka takes a full spread to address Shirley's miscarriage which seemed like an curious choice to me. But after finishing the book, I think he wanted the reader to know that Shirley's early motherhood wasn't a perfect, pretty picture. He sets us up to sympathize with her before showing us her cruel streak. It's a very Betty Draper Mad Men scene with her kids glued to the TV and her having a cocktail and a cigarette. Every time she was a jerk I flashed back to that spread and wondered when she put that hard shell around her.

I could go on and on about Shirley, I really could. The part where she's so mean to Jarrett when he gives her a portrait he drew for her anniversary almost made me cry. And when Jarrett is telling Shirley about meeting his siblings for the first time and her response is to tell him not to interrupt her TV show. Yikes. Yet we know she loves her kids and meets their basic needs. Somehow I had a hard time holding her bad behavior against her. That is a good character -- my feelings about her are all mixed up and she has really stayed with me.

In terms of the Newbery, I can see this having a chance even though it's on the mature end of "children's literature." Generally, I'd say this is ages 14 and up, but I can see a 12- or 13-year-old with interest in the subject matter (drug addiction, parent in jail, childhood trauma) getting a lot out of it.

To nitpick, there's one grammatically questionable sentence. On page 95 narrator Jarrett says, "And it was really nice having my mom there. I liked being able for her to meet some of my friends, and for them to meet her." The phrase "being able for her to meet" makes me cringe. I wonder how it got past editors, though I recognize that grammar can be fluid and maybe it doesn't sound jarringly awful to everyone. In my opinion it would sound better as "I liked her being able to meet my friends..." or "I liked that she was able to meet my friends.."
( )

I knew HEY, KIDDO would likely be a heavy story for me to read. Like Krosoczka and many others, I grew up with addiction in my household. This is an honest portrayal of bittersweet childhood experiences, interspersed with mementos like letters and old drawings that root the story in reality. It is not all sad, but Krosoczka does not shy away from the darker moments and complexities of his family members. The family we are given are not always perfect, but they are ours, for better or worse. Krosoczka's inkwash illustrations and limited palette lend an extra touch of somberness to the story. And throughout it all, there is hope; a key part of the story is the love and appreciation for art that eventually leads Jarrett Krosoczka to a career in children's books. At 300 pages, this is a meaty, cathartic read. ( )