MEXIKID DREAMS

Martín returns to the world of a Mexican American family in 1970s California in this sequel to his award-winning graphic novel debut, Mexikid (2023).

Beginning when he’s 7, Pedro and his siblings join their parents in harvesting strawberries after school, on weekends, and over the summer, leaving little time for extracurricular pursuits like Saturday morning cartoons. (The San Fernando earthquake destroyed the family’s restaurant, forcing them to head north to Watsonville in search of a new livelihood as sharecroppers.) Pedro wishes for an excuse to escape the fields and be more like “the other kids,” with their clean knees and “even, all-over tans”—the ones who weren’t always “dirty and tired.” He thinks he’s found a way out when he dedicates himself to playing trombone, hoping a spring concert solo will convince his dad to release him from farm labor. Tales of strawberry fights and a malodorous outhouse (“Casa del Diablo”) will have readers in stitches, but the true heart of the story is the immigrant family working hard to make ends meet and provide better opportunities for the next generation. Martín highlights the intense labor of migrant farm workers, from families like his to undocumented workers who helped make ends meet for families back home in Mexico. Amid it all, Martín sneaks in entertaining lessons in history and cultural appreciation. The lively, lovingly detailed illustrations remain a delight.

Mexikid is back, and he’s as hilarious and heartfelt as ever: more, please!