We all have stories, some stories more raw and brutal than others. In his new graphic novel based on his book From the Barrio to the Board Room, author Robert Rentería has a story of struggle and success that should be shared to anyone who believes in the principles of hard work, education, and determination. Mi Barrio, Rentería’s new graphic novel published by SmarterComics, achieves just that—a testament to Rentería’s life story—yet fails on its delivery to the younger readers Renetería is targeting.
Yet before Rentería’s story rambles into tedium (not the actual events, just how the story was told), the beginning of the graphic novel has promise. The first three pages set Rentería’s early childhood in East Los Angeles during the 60s. The prose and images are simple, yet powerful. The premise and scenery have been brilliantly introduced, and the reader has been prepared to dive into the rest of Rentería’s tale.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story’s arc misses the mark.
Author Robert Rentería
Almost immediately drug use tales appear and later stories of drunken behavior and sex begin to surface. The taboos are boundless, that most school districts in California—a key market for this type of book—couldn’t even stock the graphic novel in their libraries, let alone distribute to students. Rentería does have a curriculum for schools, yet we would think having a book being read in some schools would cause problems.
Telling real stories about struggle and success can be inspiring. However, the story’s impact loses it punch rather quickly with scenes that rambles, prose that tells and not shows, information that is lost in and limited the graphic novel, and black-and-white illustrations that lack edge and pizazz.
We feel that even though the graphic novel just doesn’t deliver (it feels to us like it needed about 20-30 pages edited for quicker pacing and storytelling), Rentería’s story is an amazing one. Maybe he should explore a video or performance art piece that could make his message—a rather important one—more alive.
Like a 30-second YouTube video, YA authors and graphic novelists need to grab their readers instantly. Rentería’s beginning indeed delivers, but that powerful and honest voice that starts the graphic novel gets muddled and muted throughout the rest of the story. The result is a flat didactic story that although true, will ring hollow due to lack of execution.
We hope that the schools that use this graphic novel are actually benefitting it and enjoying it. Perhaps they can tell us that we were wrong about Mi Barrio. We would be cool with that, knowing that one of the hardest things in the world to do in writing is to write for YA readers.
We wish Rentería all the luck in the world. His story is a MUST HEAR. Let’s hope his passion proves us wrong about Mi Barrio.
FTC Disclosure: We received this book free from the publisher as part of a Condor Book Tour. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we have expressed are our own.
The drawbacks of the comic are understood, however not sure how the message could be delivered in a livelier way without taking away from the realistic goal.
I think the soul of the story is there since the beginning is so powerful. However, the story got lost in the details and needed a good edit, cutting down 20 pages at least. Hope I am wrong.
In response to the question: “Should books depicting the ills of alcohol/drugs/gangs be kept away from children falling victim 2 it?” I initially thought, “YIKES!” There’s no way I could have connected with mi barrio kiddos if I tried to shield them from the realities of their lives by using stale, sanitized “classics.” I’m tired of trying to pour “classics” into kids’ brains when they have no meaning & relevance to them. Give the kiddos lit they connect to & discuss the enduring themes that way. Old, dead, white guys don’t have a lock on enduring themes. This is not to say that folks of color don’t write crap, but let’s have kids experience the full range of authors and genres, and make their own judgments. Let’s give them options from which they will chose and actually read.
My experience is a) these are the books such kiddos relate to, b) it’s already part of their world so we’re not introducing or enticing them to engage in the behaviors illustrated, & c) we can have open dialogues using the books as the vehicles. Absolutely use them! We gain insight into their struggles and can help guide them using literature as the surrogate. We can pose hypotheticals, “What would you have done in that situation?” and allow the kiddos to wrestle with making a change that might very well impact their reality.
I think that’s why so many of my former students continue to ask me for advice, many years after being in my literature class. They know I’m approachable and won’t BS them. Respect & Truth.
Thanks for the comment, I just know that 98% of all school districts out there would not be able to use this type of book in the classroom. Might not be what you want to hear, but just stating the facts about the school book market.
Barrio is being implemented along with the curriculum to schools around the country, we just delivered 500 Barrio books to a college who hosted a major event around the Barrio program.
The kids relate to the Barrio because many of the are living the lefe today that I lived back them, this is a story of hopes and dreams!
Thanks Robert for taking the time to visit the page today! Like I said, your story is a great one to share and please let me know what specific schools are using this? Good luck with your efforts.
Why, Liza, why is the Latino experience all about barrios and poverty? Not saying that Rentería’s story is not valid, I just question the execution of it. It rambles on and on, even with a very powerful beginning. I would love to know what kids like this story.
Art has a different set of rules from real life; graphic novels have the added dimension of having to be good art, as well as appealing in terms of plot, story, characters, suspense, surprise, etc. Some topics are too big for a small comic book, however noble the intention. Adelante!
José, I am a huge fan of graphic novels, having developed several of them for the K-12 market. I just think this novel started off great but got caught up in too much detail. But I hope I an wrong.
Please go to the Barrio website and see/listen to the students, teachers, principals talk about how they are impacted by the Mi Barrio graphic novel.
I did. Thanks!
Hey Julito, I look forward to hearing more about your experience with the school book market & if anything can be done about it during the author livechat with Robert Renteria on Sunday 6/26 7pm Eastern. Hope others commenting here will join us too! http://www.condorbooktours.com/Author_Chat_Salon.php
Cool!
Julito,
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Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
*Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Gracefully Global Group, LLC
*Speaker on innovation and entrepreneurship in green economy
*Author of “Latinnovating: Green American Jobs and the Latinos Creating Them” –the first book showcasing Latino-led innovation and entrepreneurship in the green economy
Now available in print and Kindle versions via Amazon.com
For author-signed copies, purchase through http://www.latinnovating.com
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