“Hey, Kiddo” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a touching and deeply moving graphic novel. I recommend this graphic novel because while I don't normally read graphic novels, I enjoy reading memoirs. I think that the fact that it's a real story makes it more personal and heartfelt. In particular, I liked the genre, the main character Jarrett and the water paint-like artistic style of the text. Set in Worcester, Massachusetts, this novel tells Jarrett’s journey through childhood and adolescence, revealing the challenges he faced growing up with a very complicated family life. Raised by his grandparents, his mother is an addict and always in and out of Jarrett’s life while his father is completely absent. Even though he faces many hardships, Jarrett's …show more content…
The drawings from his early childhood showed his emotions pretty straightforward, while the letters and notes made it more personal. All these personal touches make this graphic novel more full and genuine. In terms of the artwork, the author uses a limited colour palette of only black, gray and orange. These muted tones create a sombre mood that matches the story’s emotional depth. The limited palette helps convey the tough themes as well, such as Jarrett's family struggles and his personal strength. This, combined with the realistic drawings in the story, makes the novel more engaging and really shows how it feels to be in Jarrett’s shoes. The big thing I liked about this graphic novel was how Jarrett managed to navigate through these hardships, pursue the thing he loved most, art, and finally reconcile with his father. It was uplifting to follow his life and see how he grew from just a kid dealing with family struggles to a young adult finding out who he really is. His journey is filled with tough and sad moments, which can make his character more relatable and show the power of staying strong in tough times. Although I can not relate to some of the problems in this novel, it gives me a new perspective on the realities