Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

Compare and contrast Pedro’s fantasies about Abuelito with the reality of him. How do Pedro’s various family members either dissuade him from or reinforce his fanciful ideas? What role does Pedro’s evolving view of Abuelito play in his character arc?

The book is dedicated to Pedro Martín’s wife and to his mother and father. Read the dedications to Apá and Amá. What do these dedications reveal about his differing relationships with his mother and father, and how does the narrative support your interpretation? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

How does Martín create a distinct narrative voice for Pedro? How does his distinctive voice impact the story’s tone?

How does Martín vary the style of his illustrations to achieve different layers of meaning in his narrative? How do the different artistic techniques help to create a clear and cohesive story?

Besides irony, what are some of the techniques that Martín uses to give the story a humorous tone? How does this humor contribute to the narrative’s central themes?

What elements of Mexican history does Martín choose to include in his narrative? How do these elements contribute to Pedro’s character growth and understanding of The Richness of Mexican Culture and The Bittersweet Nature of Life?

What does Pedro learn about The Importance of Caring for Others from the family’s task of moving Abuelita’s remains out of the flooding cemetery? Why does Martín frame his reaction to this event as different from Adam’s reaction?

Mexikid is a memoir—a story about events from author and illustrator Pedro Martín’s own childhood. What does the supplemental material in the back of the book—photos of Martín’s family and “Your Questions Answered” commentary—add to the significance of this story?