pickFrom just the summary, this seemed uninteresting to me at first, but I was endeared by this rich story and the Martín family's mission and antics. The characters were so lovable and I felt that they were a very realistic representation of a complex family. There were silly moments but also down-to-earth ones which brought topics like family, identity, war, and loss into the spotlight to learn from. This would be a great graphic novel to teach!
I loved Abuelito's ever-present role. Pedro idolized him, putting his achievements and history (while still noteworthy!) on a pedestal and exaggerating Abuelito's reality. He is someone to look up to for Pedro, but it also created a separation of “hero“ vs. not. When Pedro is in a situation closer to one like Abuelito's past deeds, he suddenly realizes the role that humanity plays, which I think solidified their bond as people, not superheroes.
The Martín family's border experiences sat heavy on my chest as I read, especially considering what is going on in the world now. Even though they are innocent, their experience was still tainted by corruption, and this affected them all later even after learning and growing and enjoying themselves in Mexico. This is very eye-opening to families' worries and traumas as they cross borders today, and it would be good for students to sympathize.
I really like how there is a mixture of Spanish and English in the story. It keeps it accurate to his experiences in his own memoir, rather than having everything in English. It‘s something I don‘t often see and I appreciate it.
The humor in Mexikid was engaging. I did not expect it. I think it was great for me as a teacher/ adult as well as younger students. It eased tension and brought entertainment to more serious implications in the novel. The humor also made the book go by fast and it made the thickness of the novel a lot less intimidating. My favorite funny scene was when Pedro dialed into annoy his older siblings when they left Mexico. Very relatable/ good timing
I loved the commentary on immigration throughout Mexikid. I think this is extremely important to expose ignorant students too, and even more for students who have a personal stake in immigration. The scenes from the border were age appropriate as well as great insight into the anxieties that stem from the U.S. Mexican border through experience and media. If I wasn't allowed to teach this book, I would keep it on the shelf to recommend to students
I was initially worried about this story. I am not artistically inclined and worked myself up about the art aspect as an educator who will teach graphic novels. However, Martin put me at ease in the first chapter and his introduction to the characters alongside the illustrations. They made the first part of the book much easier to read. Martin's story was destined to be a graphic novel. I gained confidence with graphic novels because of this story
After reading, I found that Pedro Martín has created multiple other short stories to go alongside “Mexikid.“ This discovery is impressive, considering how much I enjoyed the consecutive chapters of the memoir and their ability to tell a personalized story that adds up to a larger narrative. I could picture using this work as a Mentor text to assist students in writing narratives. It is easier to work with a vignette and expand further from there.
It was interesting to see how mythical Abuelito is portrayed throughout the narrative. There is no exact description of his life by himself, but every other character has a story about him that they believe to be true. Only through his unrelated conversations with him does Pedro come to understand who his grandfather is. This example could serve as an excellent introductory lesson on sources and their application, especially when we view others.
pickI found this graphic memoir hilarious! Pedro Martín immerses readers in the antics of his family as they travel to take their abuelito back to the United States. I greatly appreciated how each family moment was interspersed with a cultural practice that they shared, like kissing elders' hands or making birria. Especially in today's climate, this narrative stresses the importance of familial obligation and support, regardless of the circumstances.
pickI adored this graphic novel—both the print version and the audiobook. How is it possible to make an audiobook from a graphic novel? Listen to it and you‘ll find out! Mexikid was a big winner this year: Newbery Honor, Pura Belpré Award for both author and illustrator, and an Odyssey Honor for the audio version. All well deserved. Hurra for Pedro Martín! (These great photos of his family are from the book‘s backmatter.)
pickIn this fabulous graphic memoir, Pedro Martín recounts the time when he was 12 and his entire family—including 8 siblings—travelled in a motorhome from California to the Mexican state of Jalisco in order to bring his grandfather home to live with them. Adventures, misadventures, and poignant scenes too. I loved it. #MiddleGrade #comics for all ages.
March Readathons & Recent Reads: Indigenous, Canadian, Queer, Mexican,
Memoir & Middle Grade & Women in Translation,
Audiobook & Comics formats
https://youtu.be/Exc7wbg0uq0
#booktube
pick“MEXIKID" by Pedro Martín is an absolute treasure of a memoir that deserves nothing less than 5 stars! This is all heart, humor, and pura familia! @mexikidstories
zbayardo.bio.link/p/mexikid
Mexikid | 
