Krosoczka, Jarrett J.
HEY, KIDDO
New York : Scholastic, 2018
IL YA
ISBN 9780545902489

5 booktalks

Booktalk #1

You may have read Krosoczka's graphic novels. But do you know the story of the man growing up to be a famous author? Jarrett was born in Worcester, MA to a single mother and absent father. His mother was also a heroin addict. When he was in preschool, his grandparents stepped in and took custody of him. He lived with them and several of his aunts. The family dynamics were complicated and Jarrett seldom got to see his mother. This is his memoir about growing up with his grandparents. They sometimes drank too much and fought too much. But above all, they loved Jarrett and wanted him to have a wonderful life.

Booktalk #2

Jarrett “Ja” Krosoczka was raised by his grandparents because his single mom, a heroin addict, was unable take care of him. Over the years, Jarrett would occasionally see his mother, Leslie, but she was usually absent from birthdays and special occasions as she moved in and out of jail, rehab, and halfway homes. His true support system was his grandparents (the very colorful Joe and Shirl), aunts and uncles, and a handful of close friends. When his father reaches out via a letter, Jarrett has to decide whether or not to connect with the man who has always been just a name on his birth certificate. Through it all, Joe and Shirl lovingly support their grandson’s interest in art. Actual letters from Jarrett’s parents, his childhood drawings, and other family artifacts make this graphic memoir especially personal. Read Hey, Kiddo to experience Ja’s journey and how both addiction and art have shaped his life. (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award 2019-2020)

Booktalk #3

Follow the true story of author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka in this graphic memoir of drug addiction, a tumultuous childhood, and finding one's own way. 
(Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Awards, 2020)

Booktalk #4

Krosoczka is very honest and open about his memories and understanding of his family. His candor develops his struggle with accepting himself, his mother, his family. The artwork, coloring, and family album additions compliment the graphic story line and reinforce the awareness that this is a nonfiction text. (Prepared by: Melissa Tucker, Rock Hill High School, mtucker@rhmail.org)  (South Carolina Book Awards, 2020-2021)

Booktalk #5

In this heartfelt graphic memoir Jarrett Krosoczka shares his childhood and gives voice to those of us whose families don’t fit the “normal” mold. Jarrett grows up without a father, and mostly without a mother because of heroin addiction; but is raised by loving, loyal, chain-smoking grandparents. His complicated life becomes clearer as he finds ways to express himself through drawing and art as it literally helps him survive. His teenage years are spent finding his father, coming to peace with his mother’s addiction, and abandonment, and finding what shapes him in this beautiful memoir. Both children and adults need this brutally honest story of how addiction can impact us, changes what family looks like, and still creates beauty from survival. (Book Talk by TuesD Chambers, Ballard High School Library ) (Washington Evergreen Book Award nominee 2021)