Week 4: YA Novel (Graphic Novels)

 Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka

    This graphic novel was full of emotion that personally pulled on my heart strings. It's hard to think that children have to go through life facing so many adversities. Especially dealing with the absence of parents. This novel deals with some hard topics and has mature language embedded throughout the book. This deeply moving memoir explores the complexities of family, addiction, and resilience. Through the vivid illustrations and storytelling, Krosoczka recounts his tough childhood, that's marked with his mother's heroin addiction and his father's absence. Raised by his grandparents, Jarrett navigates through the challenges of early childhood and adolescence that's mixed with some humor, but mostly heartache. This graphic novel captures the authors life journey finding his place within the world, as he discovers his passion for art, and comes to understand the true meaning of family. Hey Kiddo, is an honest depiction of growing up in a broken yet resilient family, offering a feeling of hope and healing. 

In the Classroom: 

    Graphic novels are effective to use in the classroom because they combine visual elements with text, which provide context clues that support vocabulary development and comprehension, making challenging content more accessible. The graphic novel, Hey, Kiddo belongs in any middle school or high school classroom library because of it's relatable portrayal of overcoming adversity. This memoir dives into the authors life, marked by his mother's heroin addiction and his grandparents' efforts to provide him a somewhat stable upbringing. This book opens a window into understanding life's complexities of family dynamics and addiction, but also emphasizes the strength and resilience in order to navigate through such challenges. In the classroom, Hey, Kiddo can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy about difficult subjects. A related art activity could involve students creating their own graphic novel or art piece of a challenging time they've faced and how they overcame it. This therapeutic exercise allows creative expression and helps students process their experiences, ultimately building emotional awareness and fostering resilience.   

I enjoyed watching this interview of the author talking about his book during the PBS Books Festival in 2019. 

Interview: