Hey, Kiddo is the story of my family history, and while it centers specifically on my upbringing, way back in the 1980s and 1990s, it is also the story of so many young people in America today. My hope is that my graphic memoir allows readers dealing with family trauma to see their experiences reflected on the page, and that hopefully makes them feel less alone. My other hope is for Hey, Kiddo to help readers who aren’t surrounded by addictions understand the plight of what their peers may be going through. While I am known for cheerier books, I didn’t sugarcoat the more difficult aspects of my youth in this book because I thought that young readers deserved the truth. The Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor recognition elevates Hey, Kiddo, and I thank The Horn Book, The Boston Globe, and the committee members so much.

[Read Horn Book reviews of the 2019 Nonfiction winners.]

From the January/February 2020 issue of The Horn Book Magazine. For more on the 2019 Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards, click on the tag BGHB19. Watch Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Video Talks with Roger interview.