So, why am I reviewing a book that’s already been around for 3 1/2 years?

1. It’s a good – and important – book.
2. It’s been under attack by people who want to ban it.

Graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka has created popular elementary-level graphic novels such as the popular Lunch Lady series (which is soon to be re-released in hardcover, full-color format!) and the Jedi Academy series. He is also the author of Hey Kiddo!, a graphic novelization of his early life through high school graduation.

Hey Kiddo! has received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Horn Book, has found its way to multiple top book lists (such as Booklist’s Best Graphic Novels for Youth) or as a finalist for awards (such as the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers), and has won an Odyssey Award from the American Library Association.

Here in Iowa, Hey Kiddo! was a 2020-21 Iowa Teen Award nominee, and is currently a 2021-22 Iowa High School Award nominee. Which means that most school and public libraries with any budget are likely to have at least one copy. Between my middle and high school libraries, I have five copies on the shelves. And I’ve recommended it to the district’s counselors.

Wow, so what’s the controversy? Well, it seems some people think the language is too vulgar and want it pulled from school library shelves.

My take: yeah, the book has a few F-bombs and a few “damns” and “hells” and such. But it’s also nothing that any middle or high school kid hasn’t heard at home, at the movies, or in the hallways at school during passing. I would be curious to know what the home environment is for parents who have challenged this book and what sort of language is used there, or what movies their children are allowed to watch.

And the book is an autobiography. Krosoczka is trying to convey what his life was like growing up, and it was a difficult life. Why is this book important? Let me quote School Library Journal on that:

“A compelling, sometimes raw look at how addiction can affect families. A must-have, this book will empower readers, especially those who feel alone in difficult situations.”

You see, Krosoczka’s mother was an addict. He was raised by his grandparents from the age of about three because his mother was in and out of jail and rehab. And he didn’t know who his father was – he didn’t even learn his father’s first name until he was fourteen. His coping mechanism was his love of art.

And yet, despite this background, Krosoczka grew up to be a successful graphic novelist. We talk about the importance of examples and role models, so it’s ironic that we want to bury an example like this over a little foul language. The truth is, this book is an important example for kids going through tough times in their own lives, showing them that it is possible to get through those hard times and that we’re not predestined to let those times define us in a negative way.

Instead of being banned, Hey Kiddo! is a book to promote, especially to reluctant readers or readers who may have difficult backgrounds themselves. Censorship of what is ultimately an inspirational story over language that pretty much any teenager in the country is quite familiar with, and is realistic in context, is a shame.