Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some violence in long, charming family road trip to Mexico.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In MEXIKID, a large Mexican American family goes on a road trip to Mexico to pick up their abuelito (grandfather) and bring him back to California to live with them. The story is told from son Pedro's perspective, and we learn that he isn't initially thrilled that they'll be adding an 11th family member to their already crowded home. But as he gets to know his abuelito, Pedro learns about himself, his culture, and his family. Expect to encounter many adventures, hear funny stories, and experience what it means to be a part of a large family that's full of strong, interesting personalities.
Is It Any Good?
This engaging graphic memoir recounts Pedro Martín's long family road trip from California down to Mexico and back when he was a kid. There are great depictions of this unique Mexican American family in Mexikid, and the fast-paced storytelling helps with the book's hefty length. Pedro and his family sing songs, laugh and tell stories, prepare and eat food, and go on amusing mini-adventures. The art is fantastic: It's colorful and shows action and movement effortlessly. Many pages are packed with story, information, and cultural references from the 1970s. While many moments will translate for kids today, such as Star Wars and Marvel superheroes, other references may be dated, like the sitcom Happy Days, The Music Man musical, cassette tape players, and VHS tapes. Some moments also may feel aimed at adult readers, more testimony of eras past than representative of Mexican American family life today. Still, there are enough familiar scenarios that kids and families alike will be able to relate to in this highly readable memoir.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in graphic novels. Did any of the violence depicted in Mexikid surprise or shock you? Was any of the violence particularly scary?
How do Pedro and his siblings show courage, gratitude, and curiosity? How does Pedro's family demonstrate compassion and integrity?
What is one of the lessons Pedro's grandfather teaches Pedro?
How would you describe Pedro's grandfather?
What are some of the differences between life in California and life in Mexico?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Pedro Martin
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Gratitude , Integrity
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books
- Publication date : August 1, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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