Graphic Novel Review: Dear Dad by Jay Jay Patton

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to grow up without one of your parents around? This graphic novel tells the story of Jay Jay Patton, a kid whose dad has been in prison for most of her life. It’s all about how she deals with that and what happens when her dad finally comes home. Read on for a review of the graphic novel Dear Dad, written by Jay Jay Patton with Kiara Valdez and illustrated by Markia Jenai.

graphic novel dear dad book cover showing girl on bed looking at laptop

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In Dear Dad, nine-year-old Jay Jay Patton is navigating the complexities of her young life while her father is incarcerated. Living with her mother and younger brother, Jay Jay has only visited her dad twice since his imprisonment, and communication remains a significant hurdle. Letters take an agonizingly long time to reach him, and sometimes, they don’t make it at all. This fractured connection leaves a void in Jay Jay’s life that looms over her formative years.

After seven long years, Jay Jay’s father is finally released and returns to live with her family. His homecoming marks the beginning of a challenging yet hopeful chapter. Just as the family begins to adjust to life together, they uproot and move to Florida, forcing Jay Jay to leave behind the life she knows. This dramatic shift becomes a backdrop for Jay Jay’s journey of rediscovery and connection.

As she starts her new life in Florida, Jay Jay finds an unexpected way to bond with her father: their shared interest in coding. Through this hobby, the two bridge the gap of lost time and forge a connection that strengthens their relationship. The story explores Jay Jay’s experiences with raw honesty, really showing the challenges as she learns to navigate life with her father back in the picture.

Dear Dad’s artwork is by Markia Jenai and they are an engaging blend of cartoonish and realistic styles. This approach makes the memoir accessible to younger readers while grounding the story in emotional authenticity. The illustrations go with the story really well, helping to show emotions and experiences in a way that younger audiences can relate to.

At its core, this memoir by Jay Jay Patton is a heartfelt exploration of family, resilience, and reconnection. It offers a sensitive portrayal of a child’s perspective on incarceration and the challenges of rebuilding relationships. For children who have experienced similar situations or those looking to understand the realities faced by families affected by incarceration, this book is a good resource.

Dear Dad is more than just a Scholastic graphic novel; it’s an book that help people to empathize, learn, and grow. It’s a touching reminder that even in the face of separation and hardship, the bonds of family can endure and evolve. Perfect for middle-grade readers, this memoir is both an interesting read and a how families come together for connection and love.

Reviewed by Amaya T, 16 years old

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