Hey, Kiddo

Summary: In this graphic novel memoir, Jarrett Krosoczka recounts his childhood and teenage years from a new perspective, reflecting on what life was like as he lived with his grandparents while his mother struggled with addiction. He tells the story of his complicated relationship with his mother, how he discovered his father, and how his passion for art carried him through the tough moments in life. Through this, he discovers the true meaning of family and how to love people for who they truly are. 

Critical Evaluation: In his novel, Krosoczka dives deep into what it’s like to have a parent struggling with addiction. Unfortunately, this isn’t a topic that is talked about enough in young adult literature, and Krosocza even touches on this in the story. When he discovers a classmate’s mother is at the same halfway house as his, his character says, “I didn’t know how I would broach that subject with Mariah. Nobody knew Mariah’s mom was in a halfway home and they certainly didn’t know that my mom was, too” (2018, p. 171). This line perfectly illustrates the stigma that still exists around addiction. Unfortunately, many children can probably relate to the character of Jarrett and his story, and not only will this help them feel understood, but it will also show them that there is light on the other side of the tunnel. On the other hand, there are teens who have no idea that their classmates could be struggling through a family crisis like drug addiction. Hey, Kiddo will open their eyes and help them develop empathy for the unknown circumstances of the people around them. Krosoczka paints addiction for what it is, a painful disease that hurts not only the person addicted, but also the people around them, however he also is sure to not vilify those addicted. Without saying it, he teaches the reader that addiction is nobody’s fault. 

Krosoczka’s discussion of his passion for art and his literal art in the graphic novel is an exciting combination. Drawing and cartooning becomes his coping mechanism, and through the novel he discusses how much it has meant to him over the years. Speaking about the style of the book in the afterword, he says, “but I knew with this book, the art needed to take a different direction … I wanted this to feel like a memory as much as I wanted the reader to immediately feel present with the protagonist” (2018, “A note on the art”). The gray color scheme and drawing style certainly adds to the feeling that all of the events are taking place in the past. Additionally, his use of real artifacts such as family pictures, childhood drawings, and his mother’s letters add a level of authenticity to the novel that will once again prove to readers that these events really can happen to the people around them

Hey, Kiddo does a great job at expressing the duality of humans. How someone can be harsh, but loving, kind, but neglectful. It’s the perfect representation of how hard topics can be discussed in a gentle and loving way. 

Reader’s Annotation: In this stunning memoir, Jarrett Krosoczka talks and draws about growing up with his grandparents as his mother battled addiction.