Mexikid by Pedro Martin

 

Mexikid

by Pedro Martin

Newbery Honor Book

Summary:

        Mexikid is a charming graphic memoir telling the story of Pedro and his large, Mexican family as they embark on a road trip in the 70s to bring back their abuelito from Mexico. Along the way, Pedro learns more about his family and his identity as a Mexican American.

Justification:

        This is a wonderful graphic novel to include in a library's collection because it is a colorful, fun tale that is filled with adventure, discovery, and family. It received the Newbery Honor Award and the Pura Belpre Illustration Award. This book teaches students how to embrace their identity, whether American or not, which is something all students can benefit from.

Illustrations:

        The illustrations in this novel are colorful, vibrant, and filled with personality. The coloration of the novel feels very stylized to Mexican culture, which is fascinating to see. The art style also has a 70s retro flair, providing a lot of visual interest.

Plot:

        There is a reason this book is known for being funny. The interactions between Pedro and his family are hilarious at times. The way Pedro sees the world is also humorous. Between the funny moments are pockets of reality and themes like identity, culture, and acceptance. From seeing Pedro and his family prepare for the road trip to seeing them arrive in Mexico, this book is an adventure all the way through. 

Characters:

        The characters in this novel are larger than life! Pedro and his siblings are so funny, and remind me a lot of interactions I have had with my siblings. I also loved how Pedro was into stereotypically "nerdy" things, like Star Wars and comic books. Though he gets teased by his siblings about his affinity for action figures, he doesn't let it stop him from enjoying what he loves, which is a great example to set for the children who might be reading the book. 

Martin, P. (2023). Mexikid. Dial Books for Young Readers.