Call Me Iggy

November 20, 2023
High school freshman Ignacio Garcia navigates first crushes, endures his older brother’s harassment, and encounters his grandfather’s ghost in this multilayered graphic novel, set during the 2016 presidential election, by Chronicles of Claudette collaborators Aguirre and Rosado. Colombian American Iggy, whose parents immigrated to Columbus, Ohio, wants “to get in touch with my people.” Though classmate Marisol Rodriguez—an ambitious “DACA kid” from Mexico and one of a few Latinx kids in school—calls him “gringo latino,” Iggy asks that she tutor him in Spanish in exchange for his help cleaning offices with her family. One day, when Iggy accidentally spills his grandfather’s ashes, Abuelito’s ghost appears to him, and the two strike a deal: Abuelito will help Iggy impress his crush in exchange for Iggy finding a good spot to spread the ashes. And while Abuelito isn’t well versed in matters of the heart, he helps Iggy explore his family’s history and embrace his Colombian heritage. Rosado utilizes softly lined illustrations and shifting color palettes to cue changes in mood, time, and setting throughout, while empathetic dialogue by Aguirre imbues pathos and humor into charged yet smartly balanced conversations surrounding colonization, compulsory assimilation, Latinx culture, personal identity, and the political climate as it was during the 2016 election. Ages 14–up.

Starred review from December 1, 2023
Ignacio "Iggy" Garcia doesn't often think about his heritage, until a ghost shows him what he's missing. Iggy, who's Colombian American and from Ohio, is starting high school. He wants to take French, because he's a Francophile like his father. When he's placed in a Spanish class instead, Iggy is forced for the first time to really think about his family background. Things get even more interesting when the ghost of his paternal grandfather, who died in Colombia when Iggy was a baby, appears to him. Abuelito has a lot he wants to teach Iggy about the Spanish language and the Garcias' history, not to mention helping him impress the girl he likes. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 election, this evocatively illustrated graphic novel delves into the cultural alienation that can happen to the children of immigrants when their parents try to erase humble beginnings and realize the so-called American dream. As Iggy sees the beauty in the language, art, and music of his ancestors, he also recognizes problems with how immigrants are being discussed--especially as he befriends Marisol, an undocumented Mexican American classmate. This powerful, timely story delicately balances an authentic teenage voice with a nuanced message about embracing and straddling multiple identities while thoughtfully portraying racism, microaggressions, and anti-immigrant ideology. The dynamic, expressive artwork draws readers in and emphasizes the characters' complex emotions. A pitch-perfect example of teenage explorations of cultural identity. (Graphic fiction. 13-18)

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Starred review from February 1, 2024
Grades 8-12 *Starred Review* Colombian American Iggy is living his best life, until an unfortunate social media post makes him the laughingstock at school. One day, Izzy accidentally spills some of his abuelito's ashes, and he's shocked when Abuelito's ghost materializes before his eyes. The ghost is dismayed at how disconnected Iggy is from his Colombian heritage and promises to help him impress a girl with some otherworldly Spanish tutoring--only his abuelito is horrible at giving advice. At Abuelito's suggestion, Iggy pleads with studious, native Spanish-speaker Marisol to tutor him, and she agrees, as long as he can help her clean offices with her parents, and as he learns more Spanish, he also gains more insight into Marisol and her struggles to obtain legal citizenship. Set against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential election and with dynamic, expressive artwork, Aguirre and Rosado's thoughtful graphic novel unapologetically depicts the discrimination and attacks against the Latinx community at that time, as well as the complexities of legal status and the wide range of political opinions among Latinx voters. It even touches on the difference between race and ethnicity, as Iggy is often assumed to be Puerto Rican or Mexican. While focusing on challenging topics, this graphic novel simultaneously explores Iggy's journey of self-discovery, and some comical moments from Abuelito add the perfect amount of levity. Pristine artwork and a witty, nuanced story make this an unforgettable reading experience.

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Starred review from May 24, 2024

Gr 10 Up-It's fall 2016, and ninth grader Ignacio ("Iggy") is taking beginning Spanish. Iggy is first-generation Colombian American, but has no experience speaking Spanish, much less with the cultures of Latin America. A careless accident sees Iggy knocking over an urn in his family's basement, sending the ashes of his abuelito sprawling across the floor and introducing Abuelito's ghost to Iggy's life. With his new otherworldly mentor, Iggy is set to ace his Spanish assignments, get closer to his crush using Abulelito's dating advice, and even learn some family secrets. But there are limits to how much Abuelito can help in Spanish class, so Iggy finds another tutor in Marisol, who is an undocumented classmate. A burgeoning romance with Marisol introduces Iggy to the visceral reality of America during a political era where undocumented people are forced to hide while school bullies with red hats are empowered. This is a thoughtful, absorbing graphic novel with a timely message about knowing oneself. The gentle pastel colors and cartoonish yet detailed character designs give vibrance to Iggy's world. Characters speak in both English and Spanish, highlighting the Colombian American duality of Iggy's journey of self-discovery. The story offers introspection on themes of belonging, grief, and authenticity rather than a straightforward romp with a clear villain. Teens will appreciate how Iggy's life comes together, while also being challenged to examine the relationships within their own families. VERDICT Deeply recommended, especially for high school libraries where slice-of-life stories are popular.-Matisse Mozer

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