Read this when
Hey, Kiddo
Your mom's an addict, your grandparents raised you, and you drew your way through it. Jarrett Krosoczka did too.
Who it's for
Krosoczka tells the story of being raised by his grandparents Joe and Shirley while his mother Leslie struggled with heroin addiction and cycled through jail.
Feelings it meets
What it is
Hey, Kiddo is Jarrett J. Krosoczka's 2018 graphic memoir about growing up with his grandparents, Joe and Shirl, while his mother, Leslie, struggled with heroin addiction. It follows his childhood and adolescence, his complicated relationship with his mother, and how drawing became his way of coping and finding control. The book was a National Book Award finalist.
Where to find it
In print from Graphix (Scholastic), widely in school and public libraries (Libby/Hoopla). A full-cast audiobook exists and won the 2020 Odyssey Award. Not public domain.
Before you start
Heads up: A parent's heroin addiction.
Age: Ages 12+
