Some people are born into wonderful families where parents provide a loving and stable environment where their children can thrive. Jarret was not born into one of these families. When he was a toddler, he mother barely functioned and he had no idea who his dad was. His grandparents took custody of him when he was three, but even in their home he was surrounded by fighting, smoking and alcohol. As he grew older he found out that his mother struggled with drug addiction, and was in and out of either treatment or jail. Embarrassed by his family, he found escape through art. Luckily his grandparents encouraged him and he went on to become a successful children's book illustrator.This is a memoir in graphic novel format. It got tons of great reviews the year it came out, and for good reason. It is powerful and unflinchingly honest. I can see how reading it could make kids in similar situations feel they are not alone, and kids with happy families feel grateful for what they have. Krososzka is not only telling his story, he is sharing his woundedness with amazing courage. The reader should know that there are difficult situations and quite a bit of gritty language in the book, so if that bothers you, this is one to avoid. (320 p. 2018)
No comments:
Post a Comment