Hey, Kiddo is a graphic memoir about Jarrett Krosoczka’s childhood and teen years. Life isn’t easy for him—his father isn’t around, and his mother struggles with addiction. Jarrett has to move in with his grandparents when he’s very little.
But Hey, Kiddo isn’t just about Jarrett’s family—it’s also about how he became an artist. Jarrett begins drawing cartoons as a lonely high school freshman, and they help him find confidence, acceptance, and understanding.
Have you ever used art to connect with others when feeling misunderstood or alone? Create a short comic strip about the experience, and if you’d like, we’ll display it here! You can draw your comic by hand, or use a digital tool like Pixton or Storyboard That. Don't be afraid to get personal—you're welcome to submit your work anonymously.
When I was in college, I used art to connect with my boyfriend by illustrating his poetry. I used Pixton to make this comic about the experience.
Help your friends and fellow readers decide what to read next! Let us know what you thought of Hey Kiddo, and if you've read and enjoyed another book with similar themes, tell us about it!