Common Sense Media Review
By Jan Carr
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Big-hearted memoir of rocky childhood with addicted mom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the book is a powerful graphic memoir that tackles heavy themes such as substance abuse and dysfunctional family life, resonating deeply with readers, especially those with similar experiences. While it is considered a meaningful and engaging read for teens, many reviews caution that it contains mature content, including profanity and depictions of drug use, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- powerful themes
- mature content
- relatable experiences
- graphic memoir
- parental guidance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HEY, KIDDO, Jarrett lives with his troubled single mom. When she's caught shoplifting and the two of them end up at the police station, the grandparents push for custody and raise Jarrett. His unreliable mom occasionally appears in his life unexpectedly, but she's largely absent, missing birthdays, holidays, and graduations. Though Jarrett craves her love, his grandparents eventually reveal to him that she's a heroin addict and often in jail. Despite his challenges, Jarrett actively develops his talent as an artist, and makes the most of the cards he's been dealt.
Is It Any Good?
This graphic novel memoir doesn't candy-coat the heartrending pain of growing up with an addicted mom, but it's shot through with an infectious generosity of spirit and hope. Hey, Kiddo helps us see events through Jarrett's young eyes. His unreliable mom makes a series of "terrible decisions. Decisions that would forever alter our relationship as mother and son." Since much of the pain's conveyed through art, in busy panels, readers can selectively absorb it as they're emotionally ready. For instance, a segment involving his mom's druggie friends is pictured but not described.
Krosoczka balances the grit with warmth and gratitude for the gifts he was given. His grandparents, though hard-drinking, actively and enthusiastically encouraged his talent, as did caring, influential teachers and mentors. And the art's studded with poignant personal memorabilia, including Jarrett's early comics and art, lovingly saved by his grandparents -- a very telling detail.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the addiction in Hey, Kiddo. Do you have family members who are alcoholics or addicts? How does substance abuse ripple out and affect others who are close to the addict?
Do you have something you love to do the way Jarrett loves to create art and comics? Are there adults in your life who encourage you, the way Jarrett's grandparents and teachers did?
Though Jarrett had a rough childhood, he's had success, happiness, and stability as an adult. What hopes do you have for your own life? What can you imagine as your own happy future?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : October 9, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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