Characters
Who is the main character and author of the memoir?
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
What hobby becomes an important emotional outlet for Jarrett?
Drawing/art
What kind of struggles does Jarrett’s mother face throughout the book?
Addiction/substance abuse struggles
Why do Jarrett’s grandparents become such important figures in his life?
They raise him and provide stability, support, and care
What pet did Jarrett have as a child? What was their name?
A hamster named Rusty!
Who raised Jarrett, and what were their names?
Jarrett's grandparents (Joe & Shirley)!
Describe a moment when Jarrett feels especially unsupported or alone.
Answers will vary!
Which family member helped encourage Jarrett’s love for art the most?
His grandparents (especially Joe)
How did Jarrett feel when his mother missed important moments in his life?
Hurt, disappointed, angry, or confused
What career does Jarrett eventually hope to pursue?
Becoming an artist/cartoonist/author
Who was Pat in Jarrett’s life?
His neighbor, who eventually became his best friend.
Even though Leslie struggled with addiction, how did she sometimes show love toward Jarrett?
Through letters/drawings, visits, and gifts: polar bear plushie and a crystal.
When Jarrett was younger, what was something he struggled with besides his mother’s drug addiction?
Jarrett often had nightmares.
What happens when Jarrett reconnects with his father?
They begin communicating and building a relationship
What type of book is Hey, Kiddo?
A graphic memoir
Who was Leslie and why were Jarrett’s feelings toward her often complicated?
Leslie is Jarrett's mother. He loves her but feels hurt, disappointed, and confused because of her addiction and absence.
How does Jarrett first begin reconnecting with his father?
Richard sent Jarrett a letter, and Jarrett responded by mainly asking whether he had any other siblings.
How did Jarrett’s teachers influence and support him throughout his life?
Jarrett’s teachers encouraged him to embrace his artistic style and pursue his dreams as an artist.
What did the Mother’s Day scene reveal about Jarrett’s relationship with Leslie?
It showed that Jarrett viewed Shirley as his true mother figure rather than Leslie.
Joe, Jarrett’s grandfather, was known for being a hardworking man. Can you name all of the jobs he had throughout the memoir?
Joe sold produce, polished shoes, owned a necktie business, and helped start a piping factory that made parts for sinks.
Joe and Shirley had five children in total, who were Jarrett’s aunts and uncles. Can you name all five of their children? (In no particular order!)
Joey, Leslie, Stephen, Lynn, and Holly.
What lesson did Jarrett learn the day he graduated?
Jarrett understood that family is defined by the people who love, support, and raise you. He came to recognize his grandparents as the true parental figures in his life.
Why wasn’t Jarrett’s father involved in his life when he was younger? (Initial reason)
At first, Jarrett’s father did not believe that Jarrett was his son. Later, he admitted that he was not mentally prepared to be a father at the time and also struggled with drinking.
Why did Shirley question Jarrett’s dream of becoming an artist?
Shirley questioned his dream because she grew up during the Great Depression and worried that a career in art would not provide financial stability or a secure future.
What were some of Jarrett’s early accomplishments during middle school and high school?
Some of Jarrett’s early accomplishments included designing the yearbook cover, having a cartoon published in the local newspaper, and creating a school mural.