Hand-Me-Down

Damian Alexander's 'Hand-Me-Down' is a poignant graphic memoir exploring themes of grief, family love, and identity across generations. After losing his mother as a baby, Damian lives with his grandmother, Nanny. The book beautifully illustrates how Damian pieces together his mother's life and his own family history through Nanny's vivid stories and old photographs. It also delves into Nanny's childhood experiences in foster care, offering a rich tapestry of resilience and connection. This book is perfect for children aged 4-11, particularly those navigating loss, living with extended family, or simply curious about their heritage. It provides a gentle, accessible way to discuss complex emotions and the enduring power of family bonds.

From the author of the highly praised debut Other Boys comes a moving graphic memoir about the love we pass down across generations. Perfect for fans of Hey, Kiddo and Flamer. Damian’s mother died when he was a baby, and he has lived with his grandma ever since. Now, all he has left of his mother are old photos and the stories Nanny shares with him. Nanny has a lot of stories, some about his mom and some about her own childhood growing up in foster care. When Damian feels lonely, he imagines what life was like when his mother and grandmother were middle schoolers like him. Through memories, stories, and daydreams, he feels closer to the mother he lost and begins to see the mother he found.