Pedro Martin (1) (1967–)

Mexikid: a kid born in the U.S. to parents from Mexico, a kid who doesn't quite belong in either place. Pedro/Peter Martin is one such mexikid, about to get hauled on a 2,000-mile family trip (two parents, nine kids) in their Winnebago to fetch their grandfather from Mexico and bring him back to the U.S. Pedro learns a lot on the trip from observing his parents, siblings, relatives, and strangers, and crossing the border in both directions. He experiences the joys of Mexican toys, Pop Rocks show more and soda, and fireworks, and cautiously gets to know his abuelo, learning that there's more hardship and heroics in his family history than he realized.

Some Spanish dialogue is translated with an asterisk at the bottom of the page; other Spanish dialogue can be inferred from context. When a character is only speaking Spanish, it's denoted with "".

Back matter includes captioned photos of "my real-life familia!" and Q&A.

See also: Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd, Ay, Mija! by Christine Suggs

Quotes

This always happened around here. Big decisions were made, and suddenly we all had to adjust our entire lives! You'd think my vote would count for something here in the USA! I'm kidding, we didn't vote in this house. This house was a Mexican-style dictatorship. (14)

"You never know who knows who in any town. It's always a good idea to be nice to everyone, no matter how poor or unlikely they may be. A good reputation is more valuable than money." (Apa, 107)

Apa had been through more than I realized. (losing brothers and mom, 182)

I wasn't in the mood for a party. I wanted to just blend into the background unnoticed like I do every other place in my life. (205)

Maybe I wasn't "Mexican enough." Fancy haircut aside, if I couldn't express my feelings in a real Mexican fashion [el grito], how Mexican was I? This was the kind of introspection I was trying to avoid from the get-go. (212)

"Stop making me grow up! I refuse to come of age!" (driving, 242)

"But you can be sad about leaving and be happy about it at the same time." (Ama, 259)

"That's the happiness and sadness of the avocado." (Ama, 260-261, symbolism)

"This kind of crisis happened all the time in Abuelito's day. He probably thought you were old enough to handle it. He believed in you." (Lila, 301) show less

A poignant, hilarious, and unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican-American boy?s family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them. Pedro Martin has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito?his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution!?But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the show more house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. show less

This is a somewhat biased review because I know the author's wife and I adore her. (I also suggested that her husband turn his awesome web comics into a graphic novel because I AM A GENIUS, somebody give me a publishing company.)

But listen, this book is good. All the reviews that say it breaks the conventions of traditional MG graphic novels are correct. There are full-page scenes that welcome you into the Martin family's home, helpful who's who charts, and a stellar infographic about the show more family Winnebago. There are probably a hundred fart jokes. There are also desperately sad moments that no child should ever have to witness in real life and an absolutely chilling moment of (wildlife) life or death. There's nothing else like this out there.

But I think the best part of Mexikid is how deftly it deals with straddling two cultures and not feeling part of either. There are so many kids who experience this -- translating for their parents, knowing how to speak their home language but not write it, looking like they belong to a particular culture but not knowing how it operates . Those kids will find a friend in Pedro, but I think it's just as important of a book for kids who don't have those experiences. Pedro's such an endearing, relatable kid. Anyone, even someone who has never left the continental 48, will empathize with him. And that's what the best books do. show less

Don’t you think graphic novels about middle-grade years are the best? Mexikid tells the story of Pedro (kid #7 out of 9 siblings), who finds himself crammed into a Winnebago with his big, chaotic family as they head to Mexico to pick up their Abuelito and bring him back to California.

The book is a mix of hilarious, heartwarming, and occasionally heavy moments. Martín gives us little snapshots of what it was like growing up in a big migrant family during the 70s. From laugh-out-loud show more sibling antics to a couple of more serious, coming-of-age moments, the tone stays light and full of heart.

I like how this novel is sprinkled with references to the 70s pop culture. These little throwbacks add so much charm and will have you grinning, especially if you’re a fan of retro pop culture. It’s like a time capsule wrapped up in a heartfelt story about family, identity, and growing up.

The illustrations are bright, expressive, and packed with personality.

Whether you’re here for the retro nostalgia, the big family drama, or just a fun road-trip story, you'll enjoy Mexikid. It’s funny and heartfelt. Highly recommended for fans of graphic memoirs! show less