Hey, Kiddo
Hey, Kiddo…How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction
Hey, Kiddo written and illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic novel for teens about drug addiction, loss, and family relationships. I originally saw this book via social media in a private group of librarians that I joined a couple of months ago. I have a great interest in autobiographical graphic novels. Hey, Kiddo is a book that is appropriate for older children, 13 years older and up. For parents whose children are sensitive about subjects such as drug addiction, it would beneficial to read it with your child so you can discuss various parts.
The book begins with a prologue of the main character, Jarrett visiting the cemetery of his parents with his grandfather, who raised him. The book begins with a background of Jarrett’s parents and how he eventually began living with his grandparents. Throughout the story, the reader feels the various emotions of Jarrett as he goes through the ups and downs of his mother’s drug addiction to heroin. As the reader, you can also learn about how it felt to be raised by his grandparents and how these close relationships helped him become the person he is today. Throughout the book, it’s also rewarding to see how much Jarrett matures and finds it in his heart to meet his father and open himself up to other relationships. It’s also an excellent book to discuss different family relationships and how drug addiction affects all aspects of life.
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Discussion Questions
When reading this book with your child, discuss the relationship between Jarrett and his grandparents. Talk about how Jarrett feels about his mother and how that changes throughout the book. What does Jarrett learn by the end of the book? For teachers and parents looking for more in-depth questions, check these questions about by Iowa Center for the Book.
Watch this show video to learn more about the book!