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Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir
A poignant, hilarious, and unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican-American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them.
Pedro Martin has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito--his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.
Pedro Martin has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito--his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.
316 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
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July 26, 2023
“I don’t think he’s ever done a book for kids before.” I’m standing on the floor of the American Library Association in June of 2023. The conference is packed. Librarians that haven’t been to an annual conference since before the COVID pandemic are congregating in droves and the noise levels are significantly high. In spite of this, I can hear my companion clearly, but I’m still having difficulty figuring out what it is that they’re saying exactly. “What do you mean?” I’m trying to blame the ambient sound for my confusion, but my friend isn’t helping. They shake their head. “I mean, if they’d ever done a book for children before they wouldn’t have tried to get away with everything this book gets away with.” And they shrug, but it’s clear that they’re saying this with deep respect. The shrug conveys an understanding that were we all capable of getting away with murder, the way that Pedro Martín has with his debut middle grade graphic novel (comic) Mexikid we would do so. I look back on this conversation as I prepare to review this book and the inescapable conclusion I come to is that my friend was wholly, entirely, shockingly correct. Sometimes the best books for kids come from people that have no idea what is and is not considered “appropriate” in this day and age. Mexikid, a graphic novel memoir of a time when Martín’s family headed South to Pegueros to pick up his grandfather and bring him back to the States, is a epic in every sense of the word. It has laughs, music, snot, baby coffins, live amputations, feats of strength, bad haircuts, and (of course) family, family, family. It may also well be the most ambitious comic I’ve ever read, and that’s saying something.
Pedro (known as “Peter” in the States where he was born) is the seventh in a line of nine kids. His five oldest siblings were born in Mexico, while his and the younger children were all born in the States. With such a huge family it seems nutty that they’d be adding anyone additional to their household, but that’s exactly what happens when his father announces that the whole family is going to travel down to Mexico to pick up their abuelo in Pegueros and bring him back home to the States. Packed into a Winnebago and a separate truck, the family drives 2,000 miles on their mission. Along the way, Pedro hears wild stories about his grandfather. Tales of superhuman strength and resilience that can’t possibly be true… right? Trouble is, when you’re the grandson of a legend, sometimes it’s harder to resist your destiny than agree to it.
I’m an old children’s librarian by definition. I’ve been in this business over two decades and I’ve watched, with interest, the rise of comics for kids. Time was that the demand was there but the creators and output simply weren’t. Now you can’t shake your fist in the general direction of a publisher without hitting one or two comic creators along the way. In a given year I’ll read dozens and dozens of comics and you know what the problem is with that? Like every other genre in the world, once something gets popular then it also gets filled with tripe. With increasing percentages every year, more and more comics being published are dull as dishwater. They all look the same, feel the same, and essentially are the same. That’s what makes a book like Mexikid so amazing. This book feels nothing like all the other comics for kids out there. It has its own style, look, and feel, but at the same time its art style is as approachable and as welcoming as any Raina Telgemeier/Lucy Knisely title I could name. It is, in a word, enticing.
Mind you, I’m still not entirely certain how its creator managed to pack in as much storyline into this book as he did. Most comics (and I’m painting with a broad brush here, but still…) keep things relatively simple. Clean art, concise storytelling, the works. Mexikid, by contrast, is so packed with content that you feel like you’re getting away with something by reading it as is. At times when I feel weighted down by the number of jobs I need to finish in a given day, all I have to do to put things in perspective is postulate on how long it took Pedro Martín to finish this book. I’m only half joking. Mexikid gives you so much bang for your buck that you’re left panting. But even more amazingly, for all that it’s filled to the brim with fun stories and characters, it never loses sight of its central theme. Its protagonist really and truly does go on a hero’s journey, and comes out better for it.
When you find your new favorite author/illustrator, what do you do to learn more about them? I’m old so my first move is to check out their website, and from there, you’ll naturally be directed onto social media. So it was that I discovered that Pedro Martín has an Instagram account called @Mexikidstories. I didn’t learn much more about the man himself there, but I did discover that any kid that already likes this book will have a plethora of additional stories that didn’t make it to the page. They're just waiting to be read (and just as interesting, quite frankly). But, of course, part of the reason I sought out his website was to discover how Martín came to know how to draw as many artistic styles as he does. One minute he’s emulating classic “Hulk” comic book styles and the next it’s his standard clean-lined go-to middle grade GN style. There’s also the fact that the design of this book is choice. Each and every page is laid out with care and attention. After the first twenty pages I was so struck with awe that it was all I could do to keep turning the pages. Read the book over and over again and you’ll notice things like the fact that there are moments when Martín repeats whole panels for comedic effect (particularly near the end of the book). You’ll start to realize that the speech balloons are never out of place. The entire title is so sophisticated and profoundly well-executed that it puts the competition to shame.
And it’s gross. I mean that as the highest compliment. Sometimes folks think I don’t have an appreciation for disgusting books for kids, but that’s simply not true. I don’t have an appreciation for poorly done disgusting books for kids. But you hand me a book that’s smart and funny then all the diarrhea, snot, dangling hooves, and peeing doll jokes in the world won’t get past me unnoticed. Fact of the matter is, I love scatological humor when the person making it is skilled. And friend, Mexikid may contain some of the MOST fantastic gross stuff on a page for kids that I’ve seen in years and years.
In spite of everything, Pulitzer prize wins and academic awards, and even the occasional Newbery, comics for kids are considered ancillary. Secondary. Less important than novels. Some folks understand that it’s not a competition. A book with words and pictures can be as stirring and important as a book that’s just words-alone. Still, I think it’s important to note that Mexikid is more than just snot+Pop Rocks and crazed deer. Told in the first person, this is a memoir in the purest sense. Martín has taken a section from his childhood and not simply imbued it with story and purpose but also a hefty dose of personal growth. The ending is incredibly satisfying both because all adventures have reached their close and also because young Pedro has managed to do something he never quite realized he wanted all along: he’s earned the respect of his superhero grandfather. Soaked in a reality that few can master on the page as well, Mexikid may be one of the best comics I’ve ever read for this age range. Consider it an amazing example of how to retell the story of your youth in the most epic (yet shockingly accurate) way possible. As my friend at the ALA Conference said, Martín may not have known how much additional work he was doing here, but I’m so glad no one spilled the beans. One of the most enjoyable books you’ll encounter out there. A true modern day classic.
Pedro (known as “Peter” in the States where he was born) is the seventh in a line of nine kids. His five oldest siblings were born in Mexico, while his and the younger children were all born in the States. With such a huge family it seems nutty that they’d be adding anyone additional to their household, but that’s exactly what happens when his father announces that the whole family is going to travel down to Mexico to pick up their abuelo in Pegueros and bring him back home to the States. Packed into a Winnebago and a separate truck, the family drives 2,000 miles on their mission. Along the way, Pedro hears wild stories about his grandfather. Tales of superhuman strength and resilience that can’t possibly be true… right? Trouble is, when you’re the grandson of a legend, sometimes it’s harder to resist your destiny than agree to it.
I’m an old children’s librarian by definition. I’ve been in this business over two decades and I’ve watched, with interest, the rise of comics for kids. Time was that the demand was there but the creators and output simply weren’t. Now you can’t shake your fist in the general direction of a publisher without hitting one or two comic creators along the way. In a given year I’ll read dozens and dozens of comics and you know what the problem is with that? Like every other genre in the world, once something gets popular then it also gets filled with tripe. With increasing percentages every year, more and more comics being published are dull as dishwater. They all look the same, feel the same, and essentially are the same. That’s what makes a book like Mexikid so amazing. This book feels nothing like all the other comics for kids out there. It has its own style, look, and feel, but at the same time its art style is as approachable and as welcoming as any Raina Telgemeier/Lucy Knisely title I could name. It is, in a word, enticing.
Mind you, I’m still not entirely certain how its creator managed to pack in as much storyline into this book as he did. Most comics (and I’m painting with a broad brush here, but still…) keep things relatively simple. Clean art, concise storytelling, the works. Mexikid, by contrast, is so packed with content that you feel like you’re getting away with something by reading it as is. At times when I feel weighted down by the number of jobs I need to finish in a given day, all I have to do to put things in perspective is postulate on how long it took Pedro Martín to finish this book. I’m only half joking. Mexikid gives you so much bang for your buck that you’re left panting. But even more amazingly, for all that it’s filled to the brim with fun stories and characters, it never loses sight of its central theme. Its protagonist really and truly does go on a hero’s journey, and comes out better for it.
When you find your new favorite author/illustrator, what do you do to learn more about them? I’m old so my first move is to check out their website, and from there, you’ll naturally be directed onto social media. So it was that I discovered that Pedro Martín has an Instagram account called @Mexikidstories. I didn’t learn much more about the man himself there, but I did discover that any kid that already likes this book will have a plethora of additional stories that didn’t make it to the page. They're just waiting to be read (and just as interesting, quite frankly). But, of course, part of the reason I sought out his website was to discover how Martín came to know how to draw as many artistic styles as he does. One minute he’s emulating classic “Hulk” comic book styles and the next it’s his standard clean-lined go-to middle grade GN style. There’s also the fact that the design of this book is choice. Each and every page is laid out with care and attention. After the first twenty pages I was so struck with awe that it was all I could do to keep turning the pages. Read the book over and over again and you’ll notice things like the fact that there are moments when Martín repeats whole panels for comedic effect (particularly near the end of the book). You’ll start to realize that the speech balloons are never out of place. The entire title is so sophisticated and profoundly well-executed that it puts the competition to shame.
And it’s gross. I mean that as the highest compliment. Sometimes folks think I don’t have an appreciation for disgusting books for kids, but that’s simply not true. I don’t have an appreciation for poorly done disgusting books for kids. But you hand me a book that’s smart and funny then all the diarrhea, snot, dangling hooves, and peeing doll jokes in the world won’t get past me unnoticed. Fact of the matter is, I love scatological humor when the person making it is skilled. And friend, Mexikid may contain some of the MOST fantastic gross stuff on a page for kids that I’ve seen in years and years.
In spite of everything, Pulitzer prize wins and academic awards, and even the occasional Newbery, comics for kids are considered ancillary. Secondary. Less important than novels. Some folks understand that it’s not a competition. A book with words and pictures can be as stirring and important as a book that’s just words-alone. Still, I think it’s important to note that Mexikid is more than just snot+Pop Rocks and crazed deer. Told in the first person, this is a memoir in the purest sense. Martín has taken a section from his childhood and not simply imbued it with story and purpose but also a hefty dose of personal growth. The ending is incredibly satisfying both because all adventures have reached their close and also because young Pedro has managed to do something he never quite realized he wanted all along: he’s earned the respect of his superhero grandfather. Soaked in a reality that few can master on the page as well, Mexikid may be one of the best comics I’ve ever read for this age range. Consider it an amazing example of how to retell the story of your youth in the most epic (yet shockingly accurate) way possible. As my friend at the ALA Conference said, Martín may not have known how much additional work he was doing here, but I’m so glad no one spilled the beans. One of the most enjoyable books you’ll encounter out there. A true modern day classic.
January 1, 2024
Whewwwww this was GOOD! It was Newberry/Caldecott good!
I've been hearing so much about Mexikid and I meant to read it sooner than December, but better late than never because this book was beyond AMAZING. It's a memoir that details a summer that Pedro Martin and his family traveled to Mexico to assist his grandfather in coming to the United States. The story itself is told in short vignettes and details the funny and wild adventures they had while on the road and those that occurred while they were in Mexico. It's been a while since I've laughed this much while reading a graphic novel. Every story was filled with rich details about his family, his Mexican heritage, and the ways in which he was able to learn more about his family. The illustrations were detailed and fun and made me feel like Pedro was openly sharing so much about himself and his family. This is easily one of my favorite books of the year. I can't wait to see what we get from this amazing creator in the future.
I've been hearing so much about Mexikid and I meant to read it sooner than December, but better late than never because this book was beyond AMAZING. It's a memoir that details a summer that Pedro Martin and his family traveled to Mexico to assist his grandfather in coming to the United States. The story itself is told in short vignettes and details the funny and wild adventures they had while on the road and those that occurred while they were in Mexico. It's been a while since I've laughed this much while reading a graphic novel. Every story was filled with rich details about his family, his Mexican heritage, and the ways in which he was able to learn more about his family. The illustrations were detailed and fun and made me feel like Pedro was openly sharing so much about himself and his family. This is easily one of my favorite books of the year. I can't wait to see what we get from this amazing creator in the future.
August 9, 2023
"Shipoopi, shipoopi, shipoopi . . ."*
Through the magic of this delightful graphic memoir, Pedro Martin shares his tale of growing up one of nine children. The first five of the kids were born in Mexico "in an adobe barn with cattle around. Probably." They were forever known by their later siblings as "BARN BABIES." The youngest four of the tribe were born in the USA and called "HOSPITAL BABIES"
Martin's story mostly involves a trip into deepest Mexico to collect, and bring to the U.S., the venerable Abuelito, who turns out to be a genuine Mexican folk hero - a real "Jedi-Mexican-Batman/Catholic Hulk." Lessons are learned along the way, and new sights, sounds, and taste experiences abound, including delicious desserts made with raw milk (digestible only by the barn babies) and that trippy wonder that is Mexican soda made with REAL SUGAR - "It settled into the corners of mouths, our shirts, our hair . . . and eventually into our very souls."
We also learn the handy Mexican Jedi Mind Trick where participants attempt to wriggle out of sticky situations by inquiring, "Didn't I used to milk cows with your cousin José Luis?" . . . because in Mexico, almost everyone "has a cousin named José Luis that PROBABLY milked cows."
This was both heartwarming, and HILARIOUS, and one of my favorite books of the year. Whether you're somewhat Mexican or somewhat American, or even a barn baby, you're sure to be reminded of your own wacky family, and perhaps, that one unforgettable trip you all took together.
*If you want to know the significance of this snippet of a Broadway show tune, you'll have to read the book!
Through the magic of this delightful graphic memoir, Pedro Martin shares his tale of growing up one of nine children. The first five of the kids were born in Mexico "in an adobe barn with cattle around. Probably." They were forever known by their later siblings as "BARN BABIES." The youngest four of the tribe were born in the USA and called "HOSPITAL BABIES"
Martin's story mostly involves a trip into deepest Mexico to collect, and bring to the U.S., the venerable Abuelito, who turns out to be a genuine Mexican folk hero - a real "Jedi-Mexican-Batman/Catholic Hulk." Lessons are learned along the way, and new sights, sounds, and taste experiences abound, including delicious desserts made with raw milk (digestible only by the barn babies) and that trippy wonder that is Mexican soda made with REAL SUGAR - "It settled into the corners of mouths, our shirts, our hair . . . and eventually into our very souls."
We also learn the handy Mexican Jedi Mind Trick where participants attempt to wriggle out of sticky situations by inquiring, "Didn't I used to milk cows with your cousin José Luis?" . . . because in Mexico, almost everyone "has a cousin named José Luis that PROBABLY milked cows."
This was both heartwarming, and HILARIOUS, and one of my favorite books of the year. Whether you're somewhat Mexican or somewhat American, or even a barn baby, you're sure to be reminded of your own wacky family, and perhaps, that one unforgettable trip you all took together.
*If you want to know the significance of this snippet of a Broadway show tune, you'll have to read the book!
November 26, 2023
Need the 600-page original version!! RTC
February 2, 2024
The ten-year-old author takes a 2,000-mile family road trip with his parents and eight siblings from California to southern Mexico. They're going to help his grandfather Martín settle up things in the family's hometown in order to bring him back to the States to live with them.
It's all a nice mix of coming of age, humorous sibling bickering, childhood nostalgia about toys and comic books, and awakening to family history and drama. I'm the same age as the author so all the pop culture elements were instantly recognizable, making me wonder if this should be marketed more toward adults than children.
I hope the book does well enough that a collection of Martín's webcomics from Mexikid Stories comes our way in the future. The strip about Leonard Nimoy's "In Search of . . . " TV show especially stood out to me on the page.
It's all a nice mix of coming of age, humorous sibling bickering, childhood nostalgia about toys and comic books, and awakening to family history and drama. I'm the same age as the author so all the pop culture elements were instantly recognizable, making me wonder if this should be marketed more toward adults than children.
I hope the book does well enough that a collection of Martín's webcomics from Mexikid Stories comes our way in the future. The strip about Leonard Nimoy's "In Search of . . . " TV show especially stood out to me on the page.
August 5, 2023
Glorious! Move over Santant, you have been unseated for best GN Memior of the year, and yours was pretty great. Both contain Fanta. I am a sucker for pop-culture references that intersect my childhood. Also, Dads who can convert road trip vehicles into death traps. (Which also intersects with my childhood)
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. There several moments that were funny and captured the setting of his family and the adventure, but for me it just didn’t dig deeply enough to really connect with him as much as I wanted to.
October 8, 2023
A sweet graphic novel that’s equal parts silly, thoughtful and poignant, with fabulous illustrations and a humour that’s perfect for younger readers.
February 6, 2024
4.5 stars. With over 300 pages, this graphic novel may remind you of reading a Brian Selznick illustrated novel (i.e. The Invention of Hugo Cabret].
Born in the United States to parents who are originally from Mexico, Peter/Pedro travels to Mexico with his family in the 1970s to bring his 80 some year-old abuelito (grandpa) to the US to live with his family. It seems that being what Peter/Pedro calls a Mexikid is having the best of both what the United States (Fonzie, Star Wars, action figures) and Mexico (peepee dolls, Vicente Fernández, toy machetes) offer.
Born in the United States to parents who are originally from Mexico, Peter/Pedro travels to Mexico with his family in the 1970s to bring his 80 some year-old abuelito (grandpa) to the US to live with his family. It seems that being what Peter/Pedro calls a Mexikid is having the best of both what the United States (Fonzie, Star Wars, action figures) and Mexico (peepee dolls, Vicente Fernández, toy machetes) offer.
May 8, 2024
Pedro Martin’s graphic memoir is about him growing up as a young middle child of his very large Latino family in the 1970s. It also centers on he and his family on a very long road trip to Mexico to being his grandfather, who witnessed the Mexican Revolution, to live with them while also having a handful of surprises during their travels.
I haven’t been this engrossed in a graphic novel like this for ages. Martin’s book truly has lots of story, dialogue and art in nearly every page. There are many moments that bring many different types of feelings such as humor, adventure, and sadness. Truly an amazing life story that shows an unforgettable family road trip. A (100%/Outstanding)
I haven’t been this engrossed in a graphic novel like this for ages. Martin’s book truly has lots of story, dialogue and art in nearly every page. There are many moments that bring many different types of feelings such as humor, adventure, and sadness. Truly an amazing life story that shows an unforgettable family road trip. A (100%/Outstanding)
September 16, 2024
Wonderful graphic memoir for 4th grade and up. I listened to the audio, which won an Odyssey Award while also checking out the physical book which is beautifully done. I recommend doing this, because the full cast audio makes the experience of this book even richer. The book is a coming-of-age story about Pedro and his family traveling to Jalisco, Mexico to bring back his abuelito(Grandfather) to live with them in California. The book has humor, heart and some history too.
July 5, 2024
Fun memoir, a great teen read
February 3, 2024
Newbery award honor! ❤️❤️❤️
SO funny (and gross!).
SO funny (and gross!).
September 25, 2023
I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just couldn’t resist it when I saw this graphic novel up on Netgalley, it looks so good and so fun! And it was just oodles of fun~
😍I loved reading about the family, not just about Abuelito and his history (and he had quite an awesome history/lore), but also about the kids (some born in Mexico, others in the States), about the parents. See them together (and go between lots of love to arguments/teasing). About the family they met along their way and the family in Mexico. Love that we got extra information on the family at the end and photographs.
😍Loved that there were translations for a lot of the Spanish parts, I took a course on Spanish years ago but life got in-between, so I am pretty rusty and a lot of books with people who use Spanish these days apparently think everyone knows Spanish. Not here at least, it wasn’t even taught in school here when I was in school, not sure how it is now. So I am happy that this one either just kept it English or gave for most a translation.
😍The road trip and all that happened there was fantastic! So much chaos. I just love those typical American road trips, long long winding roads through the states with tourist attractions here and there. I would love to do one, even though I would get carsick very fast. Though this one had a big amount of bananas, haha.
😍I loved getting information on Mexico/Mexican. Like that sound they can make (and I was rooting our MC would also be able to do it). Or about music and traditions.
😍The art was fantastic and I love the style!
😍The ending made me smile and I was so happy to see Abuelito go from a more silent person to more open and actually smiling. He really flourishes when he is with his family.
Recommended! I learned many new things and I just love books about family like this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just couldn’t resist it when I saw this graphic novel up on Netgalley, it looks so good and so fun! And it was just oodles of fun~
😍I loved reading about the family, not just about Abuelito and his history (and he had quite an awesome history/lore), but also about the kids (some born in Mexico, others in the States), about the parents. See them together (and go between lots of love to arguments/teasing). About the family they met along their way and the family in Mexico. Love that we got extra information on the family at the end and photographs.
😍Loved that there were translations for a lot of the Spanish parts, I took a course on Spanish years ago but life got in-between, so I am pretty rusty and a lot of books with people who use Spanish these days apparently think everyone knows Spanish. Not here at least, it wasn’t even taught in school here when I was in school, not sure how it is now. So I am happy that this one either just kept it English or gave for most a translation.
😍The road trip and all that happened there was fantastic! So much chaos. I just love those typical American road trips, long long winding roads through the states with tourist attractions here and there. I would love to do one, even though I would get carsick very fast. Though this one had a big amount of bananas, haha.
😍I loved getting information on Mexico/Mexican. Like that sound they can make (and I was rooting our MC would also be able to do it). Or about music and traditions.
😍The art was fantastic and I love the style!
😍The ending made me smile and I was so happy to see Abuelito go from a more silent person to more open and actually smiling. He really flourishes when he is with his family.
Recommended! I learned many new things and I just love books about family like this one.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 31, 2023
The title is what got me. I am third generation Mexican-American and have fretted my entire life over whether I am "Mexican ENOUGH?"
As I was reading, I imagined the unfolding history as my own family's as there were several parallels to the things I know (and hope are true). Fun art, honest family dynamic, and it doesn't shy away from death (and it was beautiful).
As I was reading, I imagined the unfolding history as my own family's as there were several parallels to the things I know (and hope are true). Fun art, honest family dynamic, and it doesn't shy away from death (and it was beautiful).
March 21, 2023
So relatable to Mexican American families! Loved the language, situations, comics, etc.
September 15, 2024
3.5 book
September 24, 2024
I listened to the audible version of this and it was straight up funny and just a perfect middle grade story!
Read
April 13, 2024I’m not rating this title as of now because I listened to the audio version. I don’t think it would be fair to rate it without seeing the hard copy. I am waiting to get it from my library. I was surprised that the audio version was done so well from a graphic novel. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a graphic novel before. There were certainly a wide array of strange events. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to enjoy Pop Rocks ever again.
January 5, 2024
Pedro Martin is a 'Mexikid' - a child of Mexican parents, born in the USA, and this graphic novel memoir tells the story of their family road trip to Mexico to bring their elderly grandfather back to live with them in America.
Pedro has heard vague stories about how his Abuelito lived through the Mexican revolution, and he quickly builds him up in his comic doodlings as super-hero figure. But can the man live up to his expectations? And, as Pedro is one of nine children, will his grandfather even remember him or be interested in all the Star Wars knowledge he has to share?
This is not a sanitised and age-targeted children's book. Pedro's reminiscences are as wildly, joyfully inappropriate as the unregulated Mexican toys they buy at the Mercado in Tijuana - from a disgusting story of snot and pop-rocks, to a poignant cemetery exhumation and a horrifying deer amputation.
But the heart of the story - a boy trying to build a relationship with a grandparent he doesn't know - is universally relatable and very moving. The Raina Telgemeier-style illustrations are clear and engaging. I really enjoyed this warm, empathy-inducing story.
Pedro has heard vague stories about how his Abuelito lived through the Mexican revolution, and he quickly builds him up in his comic doodlings as super-hero figure. But can the man live up to his expectations? And, as Pedro is one of nine children, will his grandfather even remember him or be interested in all the Star Wars knowledge he has to share?
This is not a sanitised and age-targeted children's book. Pedro's reminiscences are as wildly, joyfully inappropriate as the unregulated Mexican toys they buy at the Mercado in Tijuana - from a disgusting story of snot and pop-rocks, to a poignant cemetery exhumation and a horrifying deer amputation.
But the heart of the story - a boy trying to build a relationship with a grandparent he doesn't know - is universally relatable and very moving. The Raina Telgemeier-style illustrations are clear and engaging. I really enjoyed this warm, empathy-inducing story.
September 4, 2023
What a special book! Mexikid is a family history/roadtrip story, wherein the author, his parents, and eight siblings ride to Mexico to pick up his grandfather so he can move in with them in the USA. I loved the humor in this story and felt it was exactly a child's humor - drinking sodas till they're sick, shooting Pop Rocks on a big dangling booger, and getting the worst haircut ever (the haircut remained for the whole book and just made me laugh every time). I loved the familial touches and Pedro recognizing the sacrifices of his parents and also all the pain and hard times they grew up with. The only downside for me is that this book is dense; it took me a while to get through and I'm not sure how kids will react to the page count, lots of footnotes, and translations. On the actual bookholding aspect which doesn't matter that much: it's hard to hold open a brand new spine that hasn't been cracked and gosh this book is heavy!
September 5, 2023
I honestly can't remember why I decided to read this book. I believe I saw it in School Library Journal or a similar magazine and the cover caught my eye. I'm so glad I read it. This book is colorful, funny and heartwarming. However, there is a surprising dark turn I wasn't expecting. Mexikid is correctly catalogued as a juvenile graphic novel, however there is a section with graphic images and language about death, digging up coffins, and body parts that may bother some younger readers. The snotty nose boy bothered me more, which I'm positive the children will think is hilarious!!
I loved the Spanish language and being about to "quiz" myself because reading the translation!! It was an added bonus for me:)
I loved the Spanish language and being about to "quiz" myself because reading the translation!! It was an added bonus for me:)
July 31, 2023
A heartfelt and hilarious graphic novel memoir featuring Pedro Martin, a Mexican American born boy and his big family road trip to Mexico to bring home their ailing Abuelito (grandfather). Full of laughs and excellently translated for audio with a full cast of narrators. This was a fun listen and I'll definitely be checking out the print version. Many thanks to @prhaudio for the complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
April 13, 2024
An easy to read and understand graphic memoir. It’s about Pedro / Peter, who refers to himself as a Mexikid and when his family drove to Mexico to help his abuelito (grandfather) move to the United States and live with them. The story is a simple coming of age and the misunderstandings of family and cultures.
June 19, 2024
This was so fun! Funny and real and tender at times. Such a great examination of being from two countries—sometimes not feeling enough like either one! I loved the descriptions of the motor home and the family dynamic, and the cousins everywhere in Mexico. I also loved the character growth of Pedro throughout the story!
July 9, 2024
Peter/Pedro is first generation American - born in the US to Mexican born parents. He is “an almost somewhat 100% authentic Mexican and kinda mostly all-American kid.” His family decides they need to bring Pedro’s grandfather to live with them and Pedro chronicles the journey to get him in this wonderful middle grade graphic novel that combines culture and some history with a lot of humor.
August 1, 2024
A Maine Student Book Award Nominee for 24|25.
This was such a cool memoir. This is the story of Pedro Martín’s trip to Mexico to pick up his ancient superhero-esque grandfather and bring him back to the U.S to live with them.
This was such a fun and hilariously funny graphic novel. You can’t help but laugh along and enjoy the crazy adventures. I know I’ll have multiple students who will enjoy this one!!
This was such a cool memoir. This is the story of Pedro Martín’s trip to Mexico to pick up his ancient superhero-esque grandfather and bring him back to the U.S to live with them.
This was such a fun and hilariously funny graphic novel. You can’t help but laugh along and enjoy the crazy adventures. I know I’ll have multiple students who will enjoy this one!!
February 5, 2024
This deserves all of the awards it’s won! What a beautiful - and hilarious - story of family and culture(s). Long live the Deer Surgeon!
February 17, 2024
I need more Mexican books.
September 4, 2024
Laugh out loud funny and heart warming!! There is something spectacular about the juvenile graphic memoir.
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