Mexikid
What’s inside...
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 Martín 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 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. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.
Age
9-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pedro Martin
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they moved to a new place?
What are some ways the main character keeps their culture alive in their new home?
Can you imagine a time when you faced something new or challenging? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it's important to learn about and celebrate different cultures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing personal stories of moving or dealing with change.
Ask your child to describe their feelings at different points in the story, and validate these feelings.
Discuss the importance of cultural heritage and ask your child what aspects of their heritage they value the most.
Use a globe or map to locate the places mentioned in the book, adding a geographical dimension to the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: In 'Mexikid', the protagonist explores and celebrates his Mexican heritage, shedding light on various cultural traditions and values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures they encounter in school and in their community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the story, the strong connection with family members helps the protagonist navigate his identity, highlighting supportive family relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and maintain close ties with their family members, understanding their crucial role in personal development and support.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance and Identity
Explanation: The main character's journey toward accepting his dual heritage teaches children the importance of embracing all aspects of their identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing a positive self-image and confidence, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The character encounters and overcomes various obstacles related to his cultural identity, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether they're related to school, social settings, or personal growth.
Example Lesson: Learning Through Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity about his roots leads him to discover more about his culture and himself, showing the value of inquiry.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and understanding actively, promoting lifelong learning and curiosity.