Famous Author To Talk About Having Family Members Addicted To Opioids

As the country grapples with an epidemic of opioid addiction-related deaths, families and especially children of drug addicts are suffering their own hell.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, award-winning author of the graphic novel for young readers “Hey, Kiddo”, knows what it’s like to live with a parent’s addiction. The Hampshire HOPE Opioid Prevention Coalition and associated organizations present a virtual event featuring Krosoczka who talks about growing up with a heroin addicted mother and absent biological father.

The December 14 event is free and open to everyone and will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Advance registration is required so that a Zoom link can be emailed prior to the presentation. The necessary registration form is available at: www.hampshirehope.org.

“Hey, Kiddo” is Krosoczka’s graphic memoir of his teenage years as he watched his heroin addict mother negotiate his world while being raised by his grandparents. Art became his salvation as he was able to immerse himself in the creative process and create art out of his struggles, leading to personal healing. The book was a finalist for the 2018 National Book Awards for children’s literature.

As an author of best-selling Young Readers of The New York Times, Krososczka is best known for his “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series and his mid-level “Platypus Police Squad” novels. He is the author of over 30 books.

Hampshire HOPE is a regional opioid prevention coalition based at the Northampton Health Department. The North West District Attorney’s Office, Northampton Recovery Center, South Hadley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition, Northampton Prevention Coalition, SPIFFY coalition and Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance join Hampshire HOPE to present Krosoczka.