Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

From the beginning of Martín’s memoir, he makes clear that caring for others is central to the Martíns’ lives. The story’s premise demonstrates how far they are willing to go to take care of those they love. Despite the fact that their home is already crowded, they drive more than 4,000 miles round trip to bring Abuelito back to Watsonville to live with them. They open their home to their community, and when people drop in to visit, even the youngest children are expected to go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. Martín includes details like the family’s trip to Kmart and the children’s work in the strawberry fields that indicate the family has limited resources, yet they prioritize gathering things to donate to those in need in Mexico. When the corrupt border guards steal some of these things, they find a way to replace them. The Martíns’ generosity and care for others makes them well-liked and respected. A key lesson that Pedro learns from Apá centers on the idea that caring for others often benefits the giver of kindness as well as the receiver. When Apá treats their waiter with respect and kindness, the waiter connects them with his network of