This is the real deal—a Newbery Honor winner that kids actually want to read. Pedro Martín's graphic memoir nails the balance between laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving, all while teaching about Mexican American culture and family heritage in a way that never feels preachy.
The graphic novel format is a huge win for getting reluctant readers engaged, but don't mistake this for lightweight—it's got substance. The story of cramming into a Winnebago with 8 siblings to bring grandpa back from Mexico is both specific to the author's experience and universal enough that kids from all backgrounds will see their own family chaos reflected.
What makes it special is how it handles the generational gap and cultural identity without being heavy-handed. Pedro starts out not wanting his grandfather to move in (relatable), and through the road trip learns to connect with his heritage and 'find his grito'—a lovely metaphor for finding your voice as you grow up.
At a 4.7 on Amazon with multiple prestigious awards, this is a no-brainer addition to any middle grade reader's shelf. It's current (2023), culturally rich, funny, and exactly the kind of book kids will pass around to their friends.






