Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

Gr 5-8–Martín’s energetic debut memoir features his extended family, in which he’s the seventh of nine children. They’re “100% authentic Mexican” (the parents), “somewhat American” having been born in “Old Mexico” (oldest five), and “somewhat Mexican” born in the U.S. (youngest four). Personalities, accents, ages, cultures are many. Martín gets blessed with a stellar audio adaptation, with remarkably distinct characters easily recognized without awkward transitional clarifications. And so the convoy road trip commences via “fancy, bargain-priced Winnebago Chieftain” motor home and a customized pickup truck camper. The goal? Bring “Revolutionary War–era abuelito” from Jalisco, Mexico, back home to Watsonville, CA. Stopovers, surprises, shocks are guaranteed, underscored by refrains of “Shipoopi” from The Music Man on relentless repeat.