Artist to speak at free public event at AHS on March 12

Auburn students will have an opportunity to hear from a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator next week when Jarrett J. Krosoczka comes to the high school and junior high school.

According to his official biography, Krosoczka is best known for his “Lunch Lady” series of graphic novels, select volumes of the “Star Wars: Jedi Academy Series” and “Hey Kiddo,” which was a National Book Award Finalist. He has illustrated more than 40 books geared toward young readers.

“The topics he tackles and his humor show a deep respect for his younger audiences,” said Auburn High School librarian Beth Cuddy. “Author visits expand

students' knowledge of literature beyond the pages of books. It provides an opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the creative process, and may possibly inspire students to consider a career as an author themselves.”

Krosoczka is scheduled to appear at a free event open to the public that starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 in the Auburn High auditorium. Krosoczka will talk about how he makes his comics, give out cartooning tips, do some live drawing, sign books and take questions from the audience. 

Krosoczka is also scheduled to speak to Auburn High School and Auburn Junior High School students on Wednesday, March 13 at their respective schools. Krosoczka will be in the high school auditorium between Mods 1 and 3 on Wednesday morning. He will be at the junior high school between 1 and 2 p.m.

Krosoczka came to the graphic arts after a challenging childhood. According to his Wikipedia page,  “Krosoczka was raised entirely by his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka, who took legal custody of him when he was three because of his mother's drug addiction. He saw his mother only sporadically throughout his childhood, and didn't learn the truth about her addiction until he was in the fourth grade.” He later graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and started working as a graphic artist soon after graduation.

“His story is inspirational. Here is someone who overcame adversity,” Cuddy said. “And here Krosoczka is, having a successful career doing what he loves. My hope is for students who experience adverse circumstances, they will see that they are not alone.”