Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What serves as inspiration for creativity? What impact does reading have on creativity, and how might illustrations in books contribute? How are stories used in artwork? How might artists use creative processes to cope with difficult circumstances?

Teaching Suggestion:  Jarrett Krosoczka is an author and illustrator of many graphic novels. In Hey Kiddo, Krosoczka tells the story of his upbringing and the ways in which his family inspired and encouraged him to become an illustrator. Students may want to investigate the article about Jarrett Krosoczka, the books that inspire him, and the ways in which he inspires others with art. It may be beneficial to watch the video or a similar resource to inspire discussion on the importance of storytelling and art.

• This article provides an interview with Jarrett Krosoczka that describes his creative space and inspiration for his books.
• This 9-minute video is an illustrated TED Talk by author Jarrett Krosoczka describing the relationship between artwork stories. (Please note that the author refers to Hey Kiddo and discusses events and outcomes in the book.