Mexikid Book Review

 


Mexikid

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Martin, P. (2023). Mexikid. Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-51604-196-1

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Pedro (American name is Peter) Martin resides in California with his Mexican born parents and 8 other siblings. Among all the chaos, Pedro is trying to navigate his place in the world as a Happy Days, superhero, and Star Wars lover. His father tells the family they are going on a road trip to Mexico to bring back their Abuelito to live with them. Thus ensues a comical and chaotic 2,000 mile journey to 

Pegueros, Mexico. There Pedro is immersed in the culture and his family’s history. Through ups and downs, Pedro is just like any other kid growing up trying to find his “grito”. 


 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This graphic memoir is told from the point of view of Pedro. The main characters are developed thoroughly so that the reader has a sense of connection. Pedro is a kid looking for a sense of purpose and figuring out who he is. Abuelito is portrayed as a mysterious legend/superhero built up in Pedro’s wild imagination. The minor characters in the story are given just enough characterization. Teens will identify with the older siblings especially if they are an older sibling as well. The plot is believable since it’s a personal memoir of the author. The theme is the bonds of family. Between Pedro’s immediately family and extended ones along the way, the relationships are authentic and inspirational. The illustrations in the book are meticulously thought out and executed. I did enjoy reading this book and I think it’s an excellent read for all ages. 


4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • Booklist, 11/01/23 *

  • Booklist starred, 07/01/23

  • Horn Book Magazine starred, 09/01/23

  • Kirkus Reviews starred, 07/01/23

  • New York Times, 09/17/23

  • Newbery Honor, 2024

  • Odyssey Honor, 2024 *

  • Publishers Weekly Annex starred, 07/24/23

  • Pura Belpre Author Award, 2024

  • Pura Belpre Illustrator Award, 2024

  • School Library Journal, 07/01/23



  • Booklist starred (July 2023 (Vol. 119, No. 21))

  • Grades 5-8. Perfectly blending hilariously brazen kid confidence with a poignant multigenerational story of growth and change, Martín’s graphic memoir explores his childhood in a big “somewhat American” and “somewhat Mexican” family, centered on a road trip to Mexico to bring their abuelito from Jalisco to their house in America. The seventh of nine children, Pedro (American-style name: Peter) is mostly oblivious to the serious conversations among the adults and older siblings in his family, but in between arguments with brothers, terrible haircuts, and witnessing his father’s incredible ability to find just the right person to help, he gradually realizes there’s a much more important purpose to their journey. Martín packs each page with self-deprecating observations about himself and his family, and while they’re nearly all wry, they’re also touched with genuine affection. His bright and colorful artwork is also a sheer delight: while mythologizing his abuelito, he switches to a classic superhero-comic art style, complete with benday dots, while more somber scenes are rendered in a softer palette and line quality. There’s much to savor here, from the thoughtful exploration of bicultural identity to the good-natured snarky teasing of siblings to pivotal moments of growth amid guileless kidhood. It's a tightrope balancing act of antic humor and genuine pathos, and Martín pulls it off with tremendous flair.

5. CONNECTIONS

Related Books:

Santat, D.. (2023). A First Time for Everything. First Second.. ISBN:978-1250851048

Santat, D. (2024). A Royal Conundrum. Random House. .ISBN: 978-1984830296

Activities:

Write a memoir about their lives and significant events that have shaped who they are. 

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