Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

A few days after the party, Abuelito and the Martín family go to Abuelita’s new tomb to say goodbye to her. Pedro feels sad to be leaving Mexico, but he’s intrigued by Apá’s plan to treat the family to a more scenic route home through the Baja Peninsula. Pedro decides to begin drawing comics of Abuelito’s “new” adventures, but he’s frustrated that they seem to consist of nothing more exciting than sitting at a motorhome table eating half a banana. Excited and nervous about the opportunity to get to know his grandfather better, Pedro asks Abuelito to tell him about his adventures during the revolution. As Abuelito begins to tell Pedro about a very smart mule he once had, he notices that Pedro’s drawing looks more like a donkey than a mule. He takes the pencil and draws the mule and himself. Pedro is impressed with his skill and wonders if he got his artistic talents from Abuelito.

When the family reaches Puerto Vallarta, Apá spends money freely on food and attractions. After an especially expensive lunch, he tips the waiter well, asking for information about somewhere cheap to spend the night. The waiter invites them to park the motorhome at his cousin’s home—Amá is dubious about this plan, but all Apá cares about is that it will be free.