Call Me Iggy

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.