Chunky

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 *

Author: Yehudi Mercado
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Published: 06/22/2021
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.9lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.50w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780062972781
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.8
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 514560 / Chunky


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2021
School Library Journal 05/01/2021 pg. 103
Booklist 05/15/2021 pg. 41
Publishers Weekly 11/15/2021

About the Author
Mercado, Yehudi: -

Yehudi Mercado is a former pizza delivery driver and art director for Disney Interactive. He is currently a writer-artist-animator living in Los Angeles. His books include Sci-Fu, Hero Hotel, Rocket Salvage, and Fun Fun Fun World. He is currently show running the Hero Hotel podcast and writing and directing an original animated short for Nickelodeon. You can find him at www.supermercado.pizza.