Hey Kiddo

Krosocka, Jarrett J. 2018. HEY KIDDO: HOW I LOST MY MOTHER, FOUND MY FATHER,AND DEALT WITH FAMILY ADDICTION. New York: Graphix Scholastic. ISBN 9780545902479

Plot Summary

Growing up wondering why your mom isn't around can be hard for a young kid; Jarrett was upset that he couldn't stay with his mom but his grandparents loved him so much that they took him in. In Hey Kiddo, Jarrett Krosoczka tells his story of growing up and being raised by his grandparents. He talks about how loving they Shirley and Joe were, doing their best to instill good qualities in him. Jarrett also recalls what his mom was like: how she wanted to be a good mother but struggled because of addiction. As Jarrett grew up, he would learn that life has its ups and downs. Jarret found comfort in art and that is how works through his feelings. His mother always loved him but couldn't get herself together for awhile. Shirley and Joe (grandparents) would be there for Jarrett for all his life and his aunts and uncle supported Jarrett in his life choices.

Critical Analysis

In this well-written and greatly illustrated graphic memoir, Jarrett Krosoczka opens up about what his life was like being raised by his grandparents and having a mother who suffered with addiction.  He also has aunts and uncle who are supportive of him as well. He writes with strong detail, for example, his grandmother, Shirley used strong language(she drank occasionally), and Jarrett captured it well. He also captures the experiences with his grandfather well also by illustrating the conversations that show the emotions of how Joe felt about life and helping Jarrett understand it. Mr. Krosoczka is an excellent illustrator; he draws his family with precise detail. He also captures the other people and scenery with precision. Mr. Krosockza writes with strong feelings and emotions that the reader is able to feel angry, sad, or even relief at knowing that it possible for a person to grow up and make something out of themselves.

Review Excerpt(s)

Kirkus Review-"Krosoczka as an author generously and lovingly shows his flawed family members striving to do the best they can even as Krosoczka the character clearly aches for more."

"...Jarrett J. Krosoczka makes visible — and poignant and funny — what is most important about that experience: Somehow, you can still love your imperfect family and survive with your spirit unbroken." (McCormick, Patricia. 2018.October 18. New York Times. accessed 2022. September 30.)

Connections

During Red Ribbon week, talk with students about the negative affects of addiction and how it impacts children and youth. Explain that even famous people have been impacted. Share their stories.

Encourage students to seek help from an adult they trust if the student's life is being impacted by addiction: whether a parent or guardian is involved or the student themself is experiencing a life choice.

Show students Jarrett Krosoczka's TED Talk; allowing students to hear him talk about his life experience and why he wrote Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction.

The words expressed are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.