Absolutely as good as everyone says -- worth all the acclaim. There is no separating the funny from the sad in this book. I read it in two days and wanted to turn around and read it again. Junior's voice, attitude, and cartoons are unique and compelling. The story of how he grows in self-confidence, in spite of (because of?) some difficult decisions and family tragedies, is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Highly recommended! 
 Favorite quote: 
 "If you speak and write in English, or Spanish, or Chinese, or any other language, then only a certain percentage of human beings will get your meaning. But when you draw a picture, everybody can understand it."