Hey, Kiddo

by Jarrett Krosoczka

This couldn't have been an easy book to write. Jarrett's childhood is truly tragic on so many levels. The image of him curled up asleep in front of his grandparents' bedroom door because he was afraid was absolutely heartbreaking. As is often the case in situations like this, the "good guys" in the child's life may not be what others would consider to be positive influences. His portrayal of his grandmother, while mostly flattering, also gives an honest depiction of her darker side that sort of explains why this family is what it is. Kroscoczka doesn't seem to pull any punches. It was a hard story for me to read, and as much as I try, I struggle with a graphic format and it dragged a bit at times. But this book isn't for me. It's for the kids (lots of them) who are living this way right now. It's for the ones who might think they don't have a chance to escape their circumstances. And I love that it's a story told in pictures, which might make the message a bit more accessible to some kids.

El Deafo

by Cece Bell

When Cece was four, she had a serious bout with meningitis, and unfortunately lost much of her hearing. She chronicles the process by which her four year old self realizes she can't hear. It's equally fascinating and heartbreaking. But the majority of her story focuses on her upper elementary years, where she goes through a revolving door of friends, casting off those who talk to her too loudly, try to teach her sign language, and more. (Who can blame, her, though!?) One day, she realizes that the Phonic Ear, her fancy hearing aid, allows her to hear her teacher peeing in the bathroom, and she dubs herself El Deafo, creating for herself an alter ego with super hearing super powers!

This is the first graphic novel I've ever read where I forgot I was reading a graphic novel. The story and the images flowed beautifully. I alternately shook my head at Cece and cheered for her, but mostly, I laughed. A sweetly funny story with a real and flawed protagonist.The picture of Cece in elementary school at the end of the book would melt anyone's heart!

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek

by Maya Van Wagenen

Okay... here's what I like about this book. 1) Her overall message about the pursuit of popularity, and how it's basically something that is unattainable. It's great for teens to see others struggle, and make it to the other side. 2) I was born in South Texas, and thought the Brownsville setting was right on and pretty hilarious. She's right when she says that the story wouldn't have been the same if it had taken place somewhere else. That's about it. I just didn't find her experiment, or the excerpts from Betty's book, charming or funny. I was sad for her friends as she started table hopping in the cafeteria to make new friends, only to alienate the old ones. The fact that this young lady is so focused on becoming popular that she would do something this drastic is slightly disturbing. You might argue that this is simply a voyage of self discovery, but it's clearly not. She really, really, wants to be popular. In fact, she practically shivers with delight when her arch-nemesis tells her that everyone knows her name, and actually calls her popular. If the purpose of this book is to put a great message out there for teens, I'm not sure this is it.