Hey, Kiddo is a moving memoir about a boy named Jarrett, the son of teenage parents who were unable to be the parents he needed them to be. Raised by his grandparents, who had their own struggles, Jarrett grew up to be a talented graphic artist and author. This was the first graphic novel I have read. I have the ebook version, but will be purchasing the hardback. I'm finding there is a learning curve for graphic novels, so I listened to the audio on Everand. The audiobook is excellent. The author narrates for himself and does a wonderful job.

This is an essential story for middle school and high school students because it brings this message: 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."

Unfortunately, this is a book that has faced censorship in Iowa. For clarification, because of incomplete reporting, those who are promoting book bans likely assume that this is an LGBTQ+ story. It is not. Jarrett is a heterosexual young man who now has a family of his own. I bring this up only for clarification. It is important that there are LGBTQ+ books available for our students as well.