Chunky

Hudi likes to crack jokes, but his parents are worried about his health due to him being overweight. Upon his parents’ insistence, Hudi tried a variety of sports, from softball to swimming to Texas football. Chunky, an imaginary friend, shows up to offer Hudi some much-needed support and friendship. Accident-prone and uncoordinated, Hudi would rather do anything but play sports. Things get complicated when his father loses his job, and the family has to make some difficult sacrifices.

I really enjoyed reading this middle-grade graphic novel debut by Yehudi Mercado. I was surprised to find out that the story is based on his childhood experience. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because I’m not a sports fan at all, but the story has a lot of heart. I was confused by Hudi’s father who pushed Hudi to play sports even though he acknowledged that his own father was too pushy with sports growing up. You can’t help but feel sorry for poor Hudi for not having any friends and being forced to play sports after sports. Graphic novel enthusiasts and sports fans will delight in this heartwarming and fun story.