Jarrett Krosoczka makes passing reference to working as a camp counselor in his graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo. Sunshine, the inspirational follow-up to the National Book Award finalist, details the volunteer experience that taught him "about life, death, and hope." Krosoczka again uses an authentic, heartfelt tone in his text and minimal color in his art to form an impactful narrative.
Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for pediatric cancer patients and their families, was a highly sought-after volunteer experience at Krosoczka's high school: "everyone wanted to go--the jocks, the stoners, the theater geeks, the AP nerds." In the summer of 1994, Krosoczka's name was one of the six chosen for a coveted spot. While Krosoczka explains that most people reacted the way his grandmother did--"Isn't it going to be depressing?"--camp was the happiest place he'd ever been. The 16-year-old connected with campers Eric and Diego and their families through specialized camp activities, his art, and his empathy. "The kids I met weren't dying," he writes, "they were living."
The graphic memoir's format mimics that of the scrapbook keepsake Krosoczka made that memorialized the week. Adult Krosoczka draws the images in grayscale with washes of soft earth tones; spots of sunflower yellow create an atmosphere of happiness and hope. Krosoczka had a hard act to follow but has succeeded brilliantly with Sunshine; his genuine admiration for those with whom he worked and the incredible impact the experience made on him radiates from the pages... kind of like sunshine. --Jen Forbus, freelancer