Hey, Kiddo
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Hey, Kiddo
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
a Graphic Novel
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The scratch of pencil on paper fills the quiet room as Jarrett tries to draw a family — but his is nothing like the pictures in books. The smell of crayons and the hum of a busy classroom can’t hide the secrets he carries about his mom and dad. Feeling lost but determined, Jarrett discovers that art might be the key to understanding the family he never asked for, but can’t live without.
Themes
Quick Assessment
Hey, Kiddo is a graphic memoir that explores Jarrett Krosoczka’s childhood living with a drug-addicted mother, an absent father, and his caring grandparents. Suitable for ages 9-12, the book deals with themes of addiction and complex family dynamics with sensitivity and honesty. Parents should note the depiction of substance abuse and family struggles, but also the hopeful message about resilience and self-expression through art.
Why we rated Hey, Kiddo 12IE
Hey, Kiddo is written at a Level 7 reading level across 322 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hey, Kiddo works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Hey, Kiddo as 12IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Substance Use, Family Change.
Thematically, Hey, Kiddo explores family, coming of age, addiction, art & creativity, and resilience — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, coming of age, addiction.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12IE — Intense — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hey, kiddo
Jarrett Krosoczka
Hey, kiddo
Jarrett Krosoczka
Kids These Days
Marc Clearwater
Kids These Days
Marc Clearwater
Not my kid
Beth Polson
Not my kid
Beth Polson
The Children's Place
Jerry Moe
The Children's Place
Jerry Moe
New Kid
Jerry Craft
New Kid
Jerry Craft
Kidding around
Alexander N. Howe
Kidding around
Alexander N. Howe
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545902496
- Pages
- 322
- Publisher
- Scholastic Inc.
- Published
- 2018
- Type
- Fiction