Mexikid

This graphic memoir takes a kid’s-eye view of sibling tussles, screw-ups, a family background of toil and loss, the pull of two identities, and 1970s pop culture. Pedro is dismayed to learn that his family will drive from California to Jalisco to persuade his long-widowed grandfather to move into their very crowded house. Martín mixes graphic styles and pops in irreverent explainers on subjects like Mexican food, music, and toys. Being shaken down by border guards, hanging out with cousins, reburying Abuelita, and dealing with an undead deer in a Winnebago, Pedro connects deeply with what his parents and grandfather… show more.

This is one of those books that hooked me by page 2—and I knew immediately it was a classic!

+ You've got specific humor (including plenty of rad mid-1970s references) and immediately endearing characters.
+ You've got fascinating cultural and sociological details.
+ It perfectly navigates changing tones, including poignant, hilarious and comforting. That's no easy feat!

I would happily recommend this to folks of all ages.

This hooked me by page two–and I knew right away it was a classic! It’s got specific humor (including plenty of rad mid-1970s references) and characters who are immediately endearing. There are plenty of fascinating cultural and sociological details that I soaked up like a sponge. And it perfectly navigates changing tones, including poignant, hilarious and comforting. That's no easy feat! 

Mexikid uses the graphic novel format cleverly and beautifully to interweave lore and flashbacks into a road trip story about a family driving to Mexico to bring their abuelo back to the US.

This book has the funniest haircut scene (and haircut) I've encountered. The interactions of the nine siblings are my favorite part, though—so truthfully and hilariously captured.

The story is also touching and personal as Pedro, the narrator, learns about his Mexican heritage and family history. It's one of the best graphic novels I've read this year!

Mexikid has everything: humor, heart, and honesty.

Pedro Martín’s childhood experiences mirror many of my husband’s experiences, so from the moment I picked up this book, there was a sense of familiarity and comfort (I bought a copy of the book for my husband so he could connect in the same way).

When I say familiarity and comfort, please don’t read that as predictability. This book takes you on some hairpin twists and turns—from Peter/Pedro’s family trip to Mexico to his “historic haircut” to an adventure in the cemetery. You don’t know what’s coming next, and that, coupled with Pedro… show more.