In this full-color middle grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina
Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his
childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his
imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working class
Mexican-Jewish family.
Hudi needs to lose weight, according to his doctors. Concerned about the
serious medical issue Hudi had when he was younger, his parents push him
to try out for sports. Hudi would rather do anything else, but then he
meets Chunky, his imaginary friend and mascot. Together, they decide to
give baseball a shot.
As the only Mexican and Jewish kid in his neighborhood, Hudi has found
the cheerleader he never had. Baseball doesn't go well (unless getting
hit by the ball counts), but the two friends have a great time drawing
and making jokes. While Hudi's parents keep trying to find the right
sport for Hudi, Chunky encourages him to pursue his true love--comedy.
But when Hudi's dad loses his job, it gets harder for Hudi to chart his
own course, even with Chunky's guidance. Can Chunky help Hudi stay true
to himself or will this friendship strike out?
* A TLA Maverick Graphic Novel of the Year * Banks Street Best
Children's Books of the Year * A ALSC Graphic Novel Pick of the Year
*