About this book

The powerful, unforgettable graphic memoir from Jarrett Krosoczka, about growing up with a drug-addicted mother, a missing father, and two unforgettably opinionated grandparents.

In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery — Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents — two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.

Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father.

Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive.

Reviews

Praise for Hey, Kiddo:

A National Book Award Finalist

Denver Public Library's Best & Brightest Books of 2019
Booklist Editors' Choice - Youth
CBC/ TeenReads.com Teen Choice Awards
ALSC Notable Children's Books
In the Margins *Recommended Nonfiction Book List and a Top Ten Title
Action Book Club Selections
TLA Texas Topaz Reading List for Nonfiction
PA Young Reader's Choice Masterlist
Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literacy Awards (The Cybils) - Winner
Indies 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

"The story is a true reflection of the seesaw of life: There are moments of hardship and conflict, but also scenes of joy."-- The New York Times

"A candid, emotional graphic memoir about life with a heroin-addicted mother and rough but loving grandparents." -- New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice

"Inspiring...poignant and funny...A testament to the power of art and creativity -- and a chain-smoking grandfather -- to save your life." -- New York Times Book Review

"Powerful...Krosoczka movingly reveals the complicated origins of his humor and art." -- Washington Post

"Deeply heartfelt...Sure to have a profound impact on those who pick it up." -- Paste Magazine

* "Honest, important, and timely." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "A must-have, this book will empower readers." -- School Library Journal, starred review

* "This nuanced graphic memoir . . . tells a story of finding identity." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Krosoczka has meticulously crafted a severely honest portrayal of addiction, resilient familial love, and the healing power of art..." -- The Horn Book, starred review

* "Deeply vulnerable, moving." -- Booklist, starred review