Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction

Hey, Kiddo #1

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery -- Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents -- two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.

Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father.

Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Comics, Family, Teen, Biography Memoir, Addiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years.

In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors! Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in The New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of more views online via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.

Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse, their three children, pugs Ralph and Frank, and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.

Reviews

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite this being a graphic novel, Hey, Kiddo is not an easy or light read by any means. It tells a moving, sad, but also hopeful story of a family affected by addiction and loss. I had not known about this author before, as I don't read many graphic novels, but I would be curious to read his other work as well. This book was excellent, definitely among the best I've read this year. It's a memoir, and the author doesn't shy away from complex issues and being critical of himself and people he loves. I would absolutely recommend this. Don't be put off by the medium if, like me, you don't often read a graphic novel, it's well worthwhile!

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two hours of alternate crying and laugh-out-louds, here I am sitting up to write a short review about this book.
I picked up the book without knowing anything about it.
It turned out to be a memoir! A heartbreaking yet an uplifting one!
Jarrett did everything himself regarding this book because (Surprise! Surprise! To me at least) it is a memoir of an artist and well, a graphic memoir with the author doing all the illustration and the art work.
It starts with the story of his maternal grandparents as they were the ones who basically brought him up inspite of having a mother(who he sees rarely) and a father(who he has never known exists).
Inspite of having a big family with many to feed and take care of, his grandparents supported him in taking up art in every way possible.
This memoir is so worth reading in the sense that this proves that 'art speaks more than words can do' kind of way.
The writing style as well as the art were so moving.
I realized it was a memoir straightaway (high time I have some idea before picking up a book)
And at the end of the first chapter, I was in tears.
I so wanted to hug the little Jarrett, be there for him when he felt so low.
But his life with his grandparents were the best part. The way they taught him about the realities of life without saying much was worth reading.
The highlights of this memoir include the flawless art, the significant memories so crisply depicted in the form of real pictures (yes, at the beginning of each chapter, real pictures and related items to the ongoing chapters marks the beginning of each)
The teachers who influence him in taking a different turn from the rest, the support of his uncles and aunts, specially his dear aunt, Holly; his childhood best friend, Pat; his first and only pet, the Hamster; the heartbreak after breaking up with his first girlfriend; getting the first letter a little too late from his real father; the journey of his mother who was a heroin addict all her life; the struggle through it all and facing bullying - everything made me clutch my heart.
Everything about this memoir is so damn endearing.
I loved how the last few chapters ended the most.
There were tears of all kinds : sadness, happiness, grief, relief, acceptance, rejection, abandonment, hope, love, death, new life and most of all, gratefulness.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of 2019.
I am so glad I read this at the beginning of the year.
So worth it!

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this 300 page graphic memoir in one sitting. It's a fairly straightforward and simply sketched--which is to say intimate--tale of a boy growing up without a father and mostly without his mother, who was a heroin addict. He was raised by his grandparents, Joe and Shirley, who come to life as stiff drinkers, chain smokers, profane and loving, sacrificing what might have been their retirement and after raising a number of kids of their own to raise "Ja." They helped Jarrett survive, but so did art.

We know Krosoczka's work in this house and a million others through his children's graphic novel series Lunch Lady. And he's done other popular works, a middle school level series, but this is the most important work--The Work--he has accomplished so far. It's honest--sometimes brutally so--but never sentimental as mom fails to show for key event after another in his life. Missing graduation after promising to be there seems to stay with him as hurting a lot. But after a life of growing up, Krosoczka conies to intermittently connect with his mother, who does in fact love him, and he finally makes contact with his (birth) father. And makes his dream life of an artist, though in his afterword he makes it clear that making a stable life for his family, given his own abandonment, is his most important accomplishment.

I loved his author's note telling of his life after college, and what happened to his mother and grandparents, and so on, and his careful story for artists about how the book got done. As to the art, I like how he uses some actual letters from his mom, and actual artwork he did when growing up. I rate this book somewhere between 4-4.5, but then I listened to the TED talk and in tears, I bump up that ol' rating. I encourage everyone to read it.

Krosoczka was inducted into the Holy Name Central Catholic High School's Hall of Fame, where he was cartoonist for the school newspaper, and where the mural he was commissioned to do Light Switch Napoleon, still hangs (he worked it out so the light switch is also Napoleon's zipper).

Here is Krosoczka's TED talk, seen by more than a million viewers:

https://www.ted.com/talks/jarrett_j_k...

[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

What a wonderful memoir!

I honestly cannot remember what made me request this graphic novel from the library, it is so not my normal reading zone. But I am very glad I did. Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the kids graphic novel series Lunch Lady, tells the story of his childhood and teenage years. His mother's addiction and father's absence had an impact on his life, but not as profound as the grandparents who stepped up and raised him.

This was unputdownable, I finished it within a few hours. My favorite parts of the book were his grandmother who seemed to be a complex and lively woman who didn't always make the best choices, but she loved fiercely. I think this is a great book for teens to read to understand kids with this background. It's also a story too many kids are living themselves.


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[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I understand that when others read this book they may only focus on the fact that there is so much darkness, but from someone who experienced similar circumstances as a child and into adulthood - there was brightness in the fact that grandparents raised us, but the negative light that shone of biological parents was just that, negative. As someone who could relate to a lot of scenes in Hey, Kiddo, I am thankful to know that my experiences are who shaped me, just like Jarrett, I'm also thankful to know that the emotions I felt/feel are completely justified and "normal". There will be teenagers and adults who will NEED this book and there will be others who don't understand, and that's OK. It doesn't take away from the fact that Jarrett shared what shaped him in a beautiful memoir for others to read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

After just a few pages of this book, I wanted to find Jarrett Krosoczka and hug him. Just . . . hug him for a minute. I met him, got my book signed, he was so nice! And handsome, and well dressed! And I was like, Hey, what a great guy! Love those New Jedi Academy books! But now, having read this raw and wonderful memoir of his childhood . . . I just want to hug him. This book is every bit as amazing as you've heard. I want it to win all the awards, because I want everyone to read it. I want it to be assigned to students. This is the perfect marriage of words and pictures, in addition to being such an engrossing story. I'm just so glad that Jarrett had his grandparents, his extended family to love him. I'm so glad that he has a wife and kids of his own now. I just think he deserves all the hugs, okay?

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was such an important memoir/graphic novel. Unfortunately so many kids deal with these kinds of issues and I think it's great there is a story out there people can learn from and/or relate to.

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender story of how families can come in all kinds of shapes. I have to say, Jarrett is more generous to some of his family members than I ever could be in his situation.

[T.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.00☆

[Brooke — brooklynnnnereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel came out of left field and hit me, it hit me hard.

Prior to receiving this to review, I had not heard anything regarding this graphic novel so although it was a happy surprise, I was somewhat apprehensive. I had my own preconceptions of reading a non-fiction graphic novel and now after reading this story.....I actually want to read more!

As for this specific graphic novel, I was absolutely captivated from start to finish. It was an amazingly raw and real story that I read through in one sitting. That may not seem like much of a feat as it is a graphic novel but this one definitely had some substance to it (in depth and in page length).

Even though I had a totally opposite childhood and upbringing, this story had me feeling all of the nostalgia of youth which brought me back to memories of my own to reflect on. This alone was worth the read because I often can get caught up in the stresses of current daily life and not take a moment to reflect on happy memories from long ago.

Everything about this graphic novel was thought out and meaningful. Although the illustrations were beautifully simplistic, there was still huge significance with the burnt orange undertones. The explanation of those burnt orange undertones broke my heart, but in the best way possible.

Additionally, the mixed media used within this graphic novel was fantastically done! Jarrett, you speak to my memory-hoarding heart of keeping cards, letters, and anything physical that could be deemed a memory. I loved the inclusion of these to this story because it made it even more real, raw, authentic, and beautiful.

Most mentionable, is the importance of this graphic novel. Unfortunately, I think this story may be a similar story for many children out there. I wish that wasn't true but it is the world that we live in. This story is not only inspiring and motivational for those going through similar circumstances currently but it's also a very important read for adults that also have been through these circumstances in their past. It's a graphic novel that is so necessary because it will make others feel less alone in their own struggles.

I definitely will be looking for more in the future by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, whether it be fictional or non-fictional. He's truly talented in both the arts of illustration and writing.

***Thank you to Scholastic Canada for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***

[Juliet Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is heavy hitting and honest, told in a way that teens can relate as well. My heart broke for the author as his feelings of abandonment were very real. The artwork was perfect to show the story.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the end of the book, the author mentions that he originally told this story in an 18-minute TED Talk. I'm guessing at that length, it was actually fairly engrossing. But while the sub-title declares that this book is about "How I lost my mother, found my father, and dealt with family addiction," I found way too much time spent on day-to-day mundanity and pointless anecdotes. Raised by his grandparents, Krosoczka's biological parents are basically reduced to cameo appearances sprinkled throughout the book, while way too much time is spent in elementary school lunchrooms and strip mall parking lots. I'm sure these little moments are fond memories for the author, but for me they did little to serve the ostensible point of the book.

Also, an unfortunate choice was made to color the book in shades of gray and burnt orange, giving even a family living room the foggy atmosphere of a twilight London street. The murky and morose tone of the coloring sank the already low-key story to the level of tedium for me.

[Jen Petro-Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly phenomenal. Krosoczka takes his talent to a whole new and utterly personal level.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, Kiddo is an amazing graphic memoir. I saw it listed as a finalist for the National Book Award, and I was drawn to Jarrett's story of his dysfunctional family.

Jarrett was raised by his maternal grandparents because his mother was a heroin addict. His mother, Leslie, was mostly absent from his life, occasionally showing up mysteriously for one day, and then disappearing again. Jarrett liked to draw, and as he grew older, art became a refuge for him, a way to try and understand things.

When I was a kid, I'd draw to get attention from my family.

In junior high, I drew to impress my friends.

But now that I am in my teens, I fill sketchbooks just to deal with life. To survive.

This book is beautiful and moving and inspirational. The sincerity of Jarrett's work shines through every page; in the Acknowledgments, he mentions that this is his "dream book," one that was years in the making. The book includes snippets of letters he exchanged with his mother, and recreations of photos and earlier drawings. I had an incredible emotional experience reading it.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates graphic memoirs.

Meaningful Quotes
[from the dedication]
"For every reader who recognizes this experience. I see you."

"With my comics, I was in charge of what happened. I could escape fully into these worlds that I created. But the real world, it kept coming for me, and I controlled none of it."

"Well, I hate to tell ya, kid. The world is filled with assholes. And you know what? Sometimes, when you talk to assholes, you get shit on. Just try to focus on the good aspects."

"I was raised to always say 'I love you' before leaving the house. It was something my grandfather had done with his parents and he instilled it in me. Because (he said) you never know when you're going to see your loved ones again."

[from the Author's Note]
"When you're a kid and a teen, you're not in control of your circumstances. But the beautiful thing about growing up is that you get to create your own reality and your own family. That family might be a group of tight-knit friends, that family might be a spouse and children of your own. But ultimately, your childhood realities do not have to perpetuate themselves into adulthood, not if you don't let them. It for sure takes work."

"It is said that books save lives, but I also say that empty sketchbooks save lives too. I filled up many, and there is no doubt they saved mine."

[Elizabeth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subtitle "How I lost my mother, found my father, and dealt with family addiction" says it all.

This graphic memoir relates the tough childhood of a kid raised by his grandparents because his Mom's an incarcerated heroin addict and his Dad is unknown.

This book is targeted for teen readers, and I think would be a powerful book for kids with tough home lives, as it is a hopeful story of survival and being successful. I liked the exploration of family and how it comes in many forms. I'm happy that the author's life turns out well, and this ode to his grandparents is clearly heartfelt.

There are however too way too many anecdotes, that while the author clearly loves, do not add to the point he's making here. The art is strangely colored and muted, but maybe that evokes the lack of light and color in his childhood. I liked it, but think that his TED talk covering these topics might be more engrossing.

[Sara the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I get a little tired of graphic memoirs. I think in an effort to legitimize the genre the publishing companies and bookstores have a tendency to push them harder to convince us that not every one of them is a glorified Superman comic. But this is something special.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the award winning author and illustrator of the "Jedi Academy" and "Lunch Lady" series, didn't have a typical upbringing. When his grand parents decided that his mother, who spent her life wrestling with a terrible heroin addiction, wasn't stable enough to give him a good home anymore his grandfather assumed custody and the two of them took on the task of raising a four year old Jarrett just as their own children were finally leaving the home. Though deeply loving and devoted to him they struggled with their own demons. Still they encouraged Jarrett's creative urges, ensured that he was able to take art classes and have everything he needed to succeed in life. He grew up surrounded by a loving, if disfunctional family, and this memoir is a bittersweet, messy love letter to them.

I really, really loved this. It was honestly something of a revelatory experience to read about a family that had a lot of problems with drinking, drugs and anger management who were still really good and loving people. I don't know why that should be such an surprise to me but it was. I think we tend to view people with "issues" as being totally defined by them. Intellectually I understand that just because you have a drug problem that doesn't mean you don't love your children and want the absolute best for them and that you won't do everything you can to help them be happy. But, Jarrett spells it out in such a way that I suddenly understand that on a much more emotional level. Making bad decisions doesn't make you an inherently bad person. It just makes you a person.

I love it when what the author intended is exactly what I experience when I read their book. Jarrett has the same realizations I did as he grows up. He knows his family has a lot of problems and that he's missing things other kids take for granted but as he grows up he starts to understand that he's been so lucky in so many ways. He's had unconditional love and support from people doing their absolute best and yes they made mistakes and even hurt him badly sometimes but that doesn't cancel out the love or all the other things they did that were truly wonderful and important to his life.

Jarrett's artistic style takes a little getting used to but I like it, especially for this kind of story. There's a messy quality to everything that really suits the haphazard chaos that makes up a lot of his life. But the faces of his characters are always very clear and he says a great deal about who all these people are to him through their eyes and the tiny little adjustments he makes to a dimple or an eyebrow raise. There's a surprising amount of detail amidst all the chicken scratchy looking pencil drawings.

Jarrett's youth wasn't conventional but you can feel that it was a good and wonderful one in so many ways. My oldest son Oliver, who's ten, asked if he could read this when I was done and I turned it over to him without too much thought. Yes, it deals with some harsh realities and I'd recommend having a good talk about it once they're done with it but this is a really good book for young readers. The message of understanding and acceptance is a powerful one, but so is the idea that mistakes don't have to define us. We can keep loving the people who hurt us and know that they love us back even if they can't quite express it the way we wish they would. There isn't just one definition for what "family" is, a standard that we all have to reach for or something that you either succeed at or fail. It will always mean something to different to everyone.

Jarrett's family was a little, sometimes a lot broken, and messy and ugly but it was also loving and forgiving and a safe place for him to come back to when he needed it most. This is a wonderfully crafted, very moving memoir that I sincerely recommend to anyone interested in watching a crazy, sometimes scary, but oddly wonderful family's journey through the daily struggles of just being a family.

[Matthew Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this at ALA 2018.

Hey, Kiddo is an incredibly timely comic about a addiction, family, and resilience. Drawn in an almost hazy style with purposeful use of burnt colors, the artwork makes you FEEL the story rather than reading-from-above. Jarrett is honest - at times unflatteringly so - and that honesty gives weight to the story, even if in the moment it might feel too much.

If no one else takes it up, I may write a more in-depth review for graphic medicine. But for now, I have two claims to make.

First, this is going to be one of my picks of the year for the field. Few comics targeted to young adults are this honest and open about addiction. And as the "opioid crisis" and long overdue national attention kn addiction ramps up, we need honest stories. There's already enough fearmongering, misinformstion, and downright ill-will toward addiction. Maybe stories like Hey, Kiddo can bring some humanity back into the conversation. I hope.

Second, because the comic doesn't shy away from drug use, teenage misadventures, and includes cursing, I'm expecting this book will face serious challenges from parents who think kids should be sheltered. I hope I'm wrong but given how much more appealing a banned book becomes maybe I want to be right - then it's sure to be read.

Full disclosure: I live in Worcester and seeing the place depicted in comics positively is certainly making me enjoy this even more.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is author-illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka's memoir of his childhood. He was raised in Worcester, MA, adopted by his grandparents, because his mother could not raise him as she was either in prison or a halfway house, convicted of crimes to support her heroin addiction. His grandparents provided a loving home, but they were hardly model roles for him. Jarrett's only escape was art, his next-door neighbor, and several teachers along the way, who provided much needed support, especially classes at the local art museum, when school funding for the arts was slashed and joining the high school newspaper as the cartoonist at parochial school. His reunion with his unnamed father and half-siblings at the end was heart-warming as were his several postscripts. The graphic format was well done.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you find a puddle on the floor, don’t step on it because it’s me after finishing this story.

When I went to the Scholastic Graphix party at SDCC, everyone was talking about Hey, Kiddo, the graphic novel memoir from a well-loved graphic novelist. I’m a fan of telling personal stories in this medium, because the art just adds a layer of depth that you wouldn’t get otherwise, especially when the storyteller is also the artist.

Honestly, if I had to tell you my favorite part of this book, it would be the author’s note and note about the art. These pages give us closure and insight into Krosoczka’s process, something I am always interested in learning about.

It’s easy to get caught up in the sorrowful pieces of Krosoczka’s life, with addiction and family dynamics at the center. Throughout the story, I found hope and a sense of love and support, even when things were tough. Adults who encouraged young Jarrett. Friends who stuck around for the long term. Grandparents who provided stability. I loved the inclusion of real life drawings from young-Jarrett’s past.

Hey, Kiddo is a book that could open old wounds for those of us with family addiction in our past but I left feeling rekindled and reminded that through the bad, there is good. The message of hope and resilience is strong. I hope everyone finds room in their heart and libraries for this book!

[OliviaK_C2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine what life would be like if you grew up not knowing who your father is. Imagine what life would be like if you grew up not knowing where your mother is. Imagine what life would be like being raised up by grandparents who couldn't care less about you. Jarrett J. Krosoczka expressed how hard and grueling life was for him as a child through this amazingly written and drawn graphic novel. In this book, it described how he lost his mother, found his father and dealt with family addiction. Confusion. Scared. Lost. When I read this book, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Jarrett, and admire how he handled with the whole situation. This book showed me how tough life can be for other children. Handling things like this can't be easy. Overall, this Graphic Novel taught us that sometimes, the truth can be hard to handle, but the only way to get through these dark times, is to not give up and make the best of everything around you.

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever finish a book and immediately want to hand it to everyone you know?

This year, it's this one.

Jarrett's story is disquieting, genuine, and ultimately so full of hope my heart beat right out of my chest.

This acknowledges that childhood is hard and ordinary. That families are important and toxic. That everyone is a factor of their biology but not the summation.

[Ms. B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end. Jarrett Krosoczka of Lunch Lady fame writes a memoir about being raised by his grandparents. It's not an easy childhood when your Mom is in and out of treatment for drug addiction, you don't know who your Dad is, and your grandparents sound like a couple drunk sailors.

[Dun's · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad this graphic novel caught my eye in a recent trip to a library... there was just something about the cover.

“Hey, Kiddo" was a very touching memoir about the author's childhood and family life affected by substance use addiction. There was so much darkness and vulnerability, but also notes about strength and resilience. Kudos to the author for telling his story and his achievements in spite of everything. The illustrations were fantastic! I also appreciated the snapshots of real personal letters and past drawings.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching up...

I originally read and reviewed this book on Facebook in 2019. The author was going to be present for a reading and discussion of his book, and so the books were being provided free to the community on a first come, first serve basis.

This was one of my earlier experiences reading a graphic novel.

And...What I appreciated was what one reviewer shared...

This graphic novel "is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family as it grapples with addiction, finding the people who help get you through, and the art that helps you survive."

Which...Made reading and discussing it such a profound experience.

Hey, Kiddo was drawn and written by the Best-Selling National Book Award Winning Author, Jarrett Krosoczka.

To experience his memoir in this way was truly compelling.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful graphic novel memoir. Complex characterizations. Gorgeous art. Striking colors. All around a great package. The author's use of materials saved from though out his life added tremendously to the authenticity of the narrative. Even the use of his grandmother's wallpaper as background for the chapter headings helped evoke the feelings and sensations that were being developed. I cannot praise this book enough. Beautiful. Touching. Powerful. This is definitely a Rickommendation.

Update: I recently had the privilege to meet the author and I have to say I only want to praise this book even more.

[Creya Casale | cc.shelflove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for ages 12 and up, Krosoczka does a great job of covering some serious topics in this graphic memoir. What makes a family? Sometimes it takes more than two biological parents to make your house a home.

“They weren’t always perfect, but they were mine.”

[Carol Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most definitely deserving of the praise it's receiving.

[Sara Boscaino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Honest. Beautiful. The author’s note had me in tears. I believe this book is powerful beyond measure. It gives a voice to children of addicts, and it’s a voice of hope and courage.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic memoir is an absolute must read. It isn't an easy read, but it's worth the time.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming (hold the cinnamon sticks) fare to finish on the Eve. Yeah, some dark issues to grow up with, having a mom with a drug addiction and an absent father, but the grandparents, Joe and Shirl, steal the show. Shirley is especially hysterical, even if she does smoke and drink too much.

Which, oddly, sends me back. When I was a kid growing up like Jarrett, most every parent smoke and drank too much. But they worked hard, too, most of them. And knew right from wrong. And loved you without smothering you with all that 21st century chopper-wing wind.

In that sense, nostalgia, too. Great story, enjoyable art. If you don't feel like reading the book, you can get the gist from Jarrett's TED talk. Just Duckduckgo his name along with TED Talk and pull up a seat for 18 minutes. Worcester pride, baby! Worcester pride!