Find a copy of this book in a library near you
Hey, Kiddo is the graphic memoir of author-illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Raised by his colorful grandparents, who adopted him because his mother was an incarcerated heroin addict, Krosoczka didn’t know his father’s name until he saw his birth certificate when registering for a school trip. Hey, Kiddo traces Krosoczka’s search for his father, his difficult interactions with his mother, his day-to-day life with his grandparents, and his path to becoming an artist.
Author Krosoczka spent two days visiting southeastern Connecticut, where he delivered an outstanding multimedia presentation about the origin of his graphic memoir. While in the area, Krosoczka visited with enthusiastic young readers from 7 schools who were thrilled to meet the author.
Programming in area schools and libraries included addiction-related presentations and discussions, art classes, art exhibitions, book discussions, cartoon-drawing workshops, comedy, community support meetings, film screenings, grandparents day events, and musical theater. See the full schedule of events below.
Watch a video of the “Faces of Addiction” panel discussion at UConn Avery Point (Part I, Part II).
Watch a video of the June 2019 kick-off event here:
Watch Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s TED talk here.
Resources
Abuse-related Referral & Resource Guide | Groton Public Library
A Guide to Using Graphic Novels with Children and Teens | Scholastic
Hey, Kiddo study guide | Connecticut College
Organizations
Alliance for Living | dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by HIV/AIDS in New London County.
Connecticut Alliance of Foster and Adoptive Families | provides support to foster, adoptive, and relative caregivers to nurture child safety, well being, and stability.
Department of Children and Families | a state agency of Connecticut providing family services.
In the News
‘One Book, One Region’ kicks off 17th campaign Wednesday | The Day | June 12, 2019.
Jarrett J. Krosockza Details How Addiction Affected His Family In ‘Hey, Kiddo’ | WBUR | Radio Boston | November 30, 2018.
What’s appropriate for kids to read? There’s value in exposing them to the tough stuff | Washington Post | October 26, 2018.
‘Hey, Kiddo’ Aims To Help Kids With Addicted Parents Feel Less Alone | Terry Gross | NPR | Fresh Air | October 16, 2018.
Finalists for 2018 National Book Award in Young People’s Literature Announced | Publishers Weekly | October 10, 2018.
In ‘Hey, Kiddo,’ Jarrett Krosoczka Sketches Childhood, A Mom’s Addiction | NPR | All Things Considered | October 5, 2018.
A Brave Graphic Memoir of a Childhood Shadowed by a Parent’s Addiction | New York Times | October 2, 2018.
A Graphic Novel Aimed at Young Adults Takes a Personal Look at the Opioid Crisis | New York Times | October 1, 2018.
Infographic
Schedule of Events
PDF schedule of 2019 events available here.
KICK-OFF EVENT
Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. | BioCT Innovation Commons, 93 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340 | Link to map. Virginia Anderson, Assistant Professor of Theater at Connecticut College will introduce the book. Refreshments will be served by BRIGAID. Click this link to watch a video recording of the kick-off event.
AUTHOR EVENT
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at Palmer Auditorium, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, CT 06320 | Link to map.
GENERAL SCHEDULE
June 25 (Tuesday): 2 p.m.: Comics and Cartooning Workshop: Groton Public Library: Join us for a hands-on cartooning workshop with Matt Ryan from Free Lunch Studios! Expand your drawing skills and learn tips and techniques from a professional. Matt will guide the group through character design and page layout. For ages 7 and up.
June 28–July 26 (Fridays): 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: Fridays With Faith Art Classes: Otis Library: Students K-5 create a piece of art tied around a different theme for five weeks related to the book Hey, Kiddo.
July 10–Aug. 28 (Wednesdays): 10a.m. – 4p.m.: Drop in Artist Trading Cards: Janet Carlson Calvert Library in Franklin.
July 10 (Wednesday): 5:30–7 p.m.: Hey, Kiddo Book Discussion with Jefferson Singer: Washington Street Coffee House, 13 Washington Street #1, New London, CT 06320. The Public Library of New London is pleased to partner with Jefferson Singer, Connecticut College’s Dean of the College, and the Washington Street Coffee House for a special One Book, One Region event! Jefferson will lead a book discussion on Hey, Kiddo. This event will take place at the Washington Street Coffee House. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
July 17 (Wednesday): 6–8 p.m.: Community Speaks Out: Family Support Group Meeting: Groton Public Library.
July 22 (Monday): 1:50 p.m. and 6 p.m.: Movie showing: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic: Ledyard Public Libraries.
July 22 (Monday): 6–7 p.m.: Kids’ Imagine Book Club: Otis Library: Jedi Academy: A New Class by Jarrett Krosoczka. Participants will discuss this graphic novel, do fun activities and games and enjoy snacks.
July 29 (Monday): 6:15 p.m.: Hey, Kiddo and Understanding the Opioid Epidemic Discussion: Ledyard Public Libraries.
August 5 (Monday): 7 p.m.: Book Discussion: Waterford Public Library: Pam Bedore, Associate Professor of English and writing coordinator at UConn, Avery Point, will facilitate the discussion.
August 8 (Thursday): 6 p.m.: Art Exhibit Opening: Family of Choice and Home: Groton Public Library: Creativity heals! Join us for the opening of the art exhibit Family of Choice and Home by Artreach in Norwich. There will be light refreshments and a performance by the Artreach jazz band.
August 9 (Friday): 10:30 a.m.–noon: Cartooning/Drawing Workshop with artist Matt Ryan: Otis Library: Students grades 6 and up will learn the basics of creating cartoons/graphic novels. *Art from the Fridays With Faith classes will be on display in the Children’s Department of Otis Library during the month of August.
August 19 – October 14: Jarrett J. Krosoczka Art Exhibit: Charles E. Shain Library at Connecticut College: Original pieces from many of Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s award-winning books are available for viewing at Connecticut College Charles E. Shain Library on the 1st and 2nd floors. The library is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
August 22 (Thursday): 7 p.m.: Second Step Players Performance: Groton Public Library: Join us for a performance by the Second Step Players, a stigma-busting comedy troupe based out of Artreach in Norwich. The group will have you laughing along as they explore recovery, resiliency and life with a psychiatric disorder.
August 27 (Tuesday): 6–7 p.m. Hey, Kiddo Book Discussion with Faye Ringel: Public Library of New London: The Public Library of New London is pleased to present a book talk on Hey, Kiddo. Faye Ringel will lead the discussion on this profoundly important and captivating book.
August 28 (Wednesday): 7 p.m.: Community Conversations: “Society says the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree. Does it?”: Groton Public Library: The panel discussion hosted by Kevin Booker Jr. will center around people who have parents battling addiction, incarceration, and other causes of family instability, while exploring the themes presented in the book Hey, Kiddo, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.
August 29 (Thursday): 3-4:30 p.m.: The Art of Healing: UCONN Avery Point’s Alexey von Schlippee Gallery: The free reception includes a gallery talk about the project and process at 3:30pm and performance by the Artreach jazz band. Exhibit runs August 19-30.
September 7 (Saturday): 10 a.m.: Grandparents Day: Groton Public Library: The Groton Public Library invites grandparents and their grandchildren to join us for a morning of crafts and activities! This program is hosted in partnership with Groton Social Services’ Grandparent’s Raising Grandchildren Group.
September 7 (Saturday): Grandparents Day: Story time and crafts: Otis Library: Story time at 10:30–11a.m., and Stop-in crafts from noon–2 p.m.: Enjoy stories and crafts celebrating grandparents.
September 10 (Tuesday): 7 p.m.: Book Discussion: East Lyme Public Library.
September 10 (Tuesday): 7 p.m.: Book Discussion: Groton Public Library.
September 11 (Wednesday): 12:30-2 p.m.: The Face of Addiction: A Panel Event: UConn Avery Point auditorium: This will be a panel discussion among recovering heroin addicts, followed by Q&A. Members of the UConn Recovery Community and Community Speaks Out will contribute to the discussion. Please contact Laurie Wolfley (laurie.wolfley[at]uconn.edu) to register for free parking.
September 11 (Wednesday): 5 p.m.: Changing Minds Book Club: Otis Library.
September 12 (Thursday): 2 p.m.: Book Discussion: Stonington Free Library.
September 14 (Saturday): 1 p.m.: Teen Book Discussion: Otis Library in Norwich: Participants grades 7 and up will discuss the graphic novel/memoir Hey, Kiddo and enjoy pizza.
September 28 (Saturday): 9 a.m.: Fourth Annual Christopher John’s Sober Softball Tournament: Washington Park, Groton.
August 19 – October 14: Jarrett J. Krosoczka Art Exhibit: Charles E. Shain Library at Connecticut College: Original pieces from many of Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s award-winning books are available for viewing at Connecticut College Charles E. Shain Library on the 1st and 2nd floors. The library is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 19 (Tuesday): 8 p.m.: Chris Herren Presentation: Evans Hall, Cummings Art Center, Connecticut College: Evening presentation on substance abuse prevention with Chris Herren, former NBA Player, and motivational speaker.
Fall semester: Series of campus brown-bag discussions: “Creating Communities of Resiliency”: UConn Avery Point: These discussions will include topics like maintaining basic mental health; dealing with natural disaster, responding to climate change and other inherited problems, living with the trauma of violence and our nation’s now-acceptable level of violent rhetoric, and maintaining physical health.
February 28, 29, & March 1 (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday): Friday 2/28 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2/29 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday 3/1 at 2:00 p.m.: Fun Home theater performance: Tansill Theater, Connecticut College. For tickets and more information, click here to see the event page on Facebook.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SPONSORS!
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Frank Loomis Palmer Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee
