Jarrett Krosoczka's "Hey, Kiddo" chosen for 2019's One Book One Region
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka
Jarrett Krozoczka's "Hey, Kiddo" is this year's read for One Book One Region. The graphic novel will be formally introduced on June 19 at the BioCT Innovation Common in Groton at 6 p.m., featuring a presentation on the book's themes by Ginny Anderson, assistant professor of theater at Connecticut College, and food provided by Brigaid. Jarrett Krosoczka will give a guest lecture on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in Connecticut College's Palmer Auditorium.
A National Book Award Finalist, "Hey, Kiddo" is a memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction. Raised by his grandparents, who adopted him because his mother was suffering from addiction, Krosoczka didn't know his father's name until he saw his birth certificate when registering for a school ski trip. "Hey, Kiddo" traces Krosoczka's search for his father, his difficult interactions with his mother and his path to becoming an artist.
"The subject matter is deeply relevant for many people," said Jefferson Singer, Dean of the College and Faulk Foundation Professor of Psychology. "Nearly half of U.S. adults have a close friend or family member who has been addicted to drugs. We believe this book will spark meaningful and important dialogue within the southeastern Connecticut community."
Krosoczka is a New York Times bestselling author who creates books with humor, heart, and a deep respect for his young readers, qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores. Titles include several picture books, his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, and the Platypus Police Squad middle-grade novels. He also recently launched a new story arc in the Jedi Academy series with Star Wars™: Jedi Academy: A New Class. Krosoczka has given two TED Talks, both of which have been curated to the main page of TED.com and have collectively accrued more than two million views online. He lives in western Massachusetts with his wife and children.
One Book One Region of Eastern Connecticut is now in its 17th year. This is the fourth year that Connecticut College has partnered with this initiative to bring community members and the college community together to discuss ideas, broaden appreciation of reading and break down barriers among people. In addition to this year's selection of "Hey, Kiddo," previous summer read selections were "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid and "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi.
One Book, One Region is made possible through a grant awarded to Connecticut College by Connecticut Humanities, a non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities. Other partners include Connecticut College's Office of the President, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Libraries of Eastern CT and the Frank Palmer Loomis Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. Bank Square Books arranged for the purchase of "Hey, Kiddo" for the Class of 2023 and their advisers.