68 pages • 2 hours read
Jarrett KrosoczkaHey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic memoir that explores his childhood in the 1990s, focusing on his life with his grandparents after his mother, Leslie, struggled with heroin addiction and imprisonment. The memoir details his bond with his grandparents, his burgeoning talent as a cartoonist, and his eventual decision to reconnect with his father. Themes of family addiction, incarceration, and abuse are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka has received praise for its raw and authentic portrayal of family issues, particularly around addiction. The graphic novel format effectively complements the emotional narrative. However, some critics note the pacing can be uneven. Overall, it's lauded for its honest storytelling and impactful visuals.
Who Should Read Hey, Kiddo?
Readers who enjoyed works like Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or El Deafo by Cece Bell will appreciate Hey, Kiddo. This graphic memoir captures the struggles and resilience of growing up with family substance abuse and speaks to teens and adults drawn to poignant, real-life stories.
RecommendedReading Age
12+yearsLexile Level
GN510LBook Details
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Mental Illness
Relationships: Family
Children's Literature