Martín, Pedro. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir. Pedro Martín, Illus. Dial, 08/2023. 309 [7]pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-0-5934-6228-7. Paper $14.99. 978-0-593-46229-4. GRADES 4–10. OUTSTANDING.
Martín’s Mexikid is a graphic memoir that captures both a deeply personal coming-of-age voyage that the young narrator takes with his family, as well as a remarkable visual and cultural snapshot of life in the 1970s. Pedro’s eight siblings and their parents travel from central California to Jalisco, Mexico in the family’s vividly depicted motor home to help their grandfather with a family matter and bring him back to live in California. Martín’s humor, attention to detail, and versatile artwork bring us along on an epic adventure that explores the Martín family’s roots and culture and the strength of their family ties in the face of the challenges of living between two countries. Every image and word brings the reader further into the family, and we leave feeling that we have lived through the heartbreaks and joys of a memorable journey.
Lesley Mandros Bell—Unaffiliated