Mi Barrio by Robert Renteria as told to Corey Michael Blake, illustrated by Shane Clester (Writers of the Round Table Press/SmarterComics, 2011)
ISBN: 978-0-9822206-7-2
From the Barrio Foundation CPS Vendor Number: 63134
http://fromthebarrio.com
Mi Barrio is comic book version of Renteria's part memoir, part motivational book, From the Barrio to the Boardroom. We get a look at a life that starts with baby Robert sleeping in a drawer in his parents' tiny apartment. From there are most of the hardships one would anticipate for someone from a marginalized group of people living in East L.A. in the 1960s and 1970s. There's also one the reader won't see coming. Mi Barrio is a cautionary tale about making wise choices, not letting a rough start in life hinder you from success, and to always be your authentic self. What is so delightful about Mi Barrio is that it expands Renteria's reach in his obvious agenda to motivate other disadvantaged young people. It is so important to reach people where they are and I think this is a great way to make his message accessible to everyone. The message I loved the most dealt with the author's realization that he had lost himself, his passion in his work and was brave enough to walk away and step out on faith for reconciliation. So often we see young people allowing others to hold them back or dictate their lives or afraid to be their true self for fear of backlash. I believe Renteria's story does and should resonate with everyone no matter what their station in life.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher as part of a Condor Book Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Giveaway Details
Since Robert Renteria will be available for answering questions via comments today, I'll ask that those who would like to win a copy of Mi Barrio send an email to terri (at) browngirlspeaks (dot) com. Please make the subject "Mi Barrio giveaway". I will randomly select a winner form all entrants. For a bonus entry, you can subscribe to my blog feed. Simply include that you did so in the body of the email message. Good luck!
ISBN: 978-0-9822206-7-2
From the Barrio Foundation CPS Vendor Number: 63134
http://fromthebarrio.com
Mi Barrio is comic book version of Renteria's part memoir, part motivational book, From the Barrio to the Boardroom. We get a look at a life that starts with baby Robert sleeping in a drawer in his parents' tiny apartment. From there are most of the hardships one would anticipate for someone from a marginalized group of people living in East L.A. in the 1960s and 1970s. There's also one the reader won't see coming. Mi Barrio is a cautionary tale about making wise choices, not letting a rough start in life hinder you from success, and to always be your authentic self. What is so delightful about Mi Barrio is that it expands Renteria's reach in his obvious agenda to motivate other disadvantaged young people. It is so important to reach people where they are and I think this is a great way to make his message accessible to everyone. The message I loved the most dealt with the author's realization that he had lost himself, his passion in his work and was brave enough to walk away and step out on faith for reconciliation. So often we see young people allowing others to hold them back or dictate their lives or afraid to be their true self for fear of backlash. I believe Renteria's story does and should resonate with everyone no matter what their station in life.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher as part of a Condor Book Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Giveaway Details
Since Robert Renteria will be available for answering questions via comments today, I'll ask that those who would like to win a copy of Mi Barrio send an email to terri (at) browngirlspeaks (dot) com. Please make the subject "Mi Barrio giveaway". I will randomly select a winner form all entrants. For a bonus entry, you can subscribe to my blog feed. Simply include that you did so in the body of the email message. Good luck!
About the author:
Robert Renteria, the successful businessman-turned-author of “From the Barrio to the Board Room and Mi Barrio,” is sharing his books with youth across America to replace violence, delinquency, gangs and drugs with education, pride, accomplishment, and self esteem.
Robert has dedicated his life to sharing his story with thousands of others so that they, too, can help break the vicious cycle of poverty through hard work, determination and education. His books and the accompanying curriculums, are forming our “leaders of tomorrow” by helping them to find their identity, establish core values, set goals for themselves, prioritize education, and strive to reach their full potential. His books are now being taught in schools to students all around America and in many communities all around the world.
Renteria has been the keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Reception for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, where he was recognized for his achievements as a civic leader and Latino author. He has also presented at the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, McDonald’s Hamburger University, the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association annual conference, the Hispanic National Bar Association in Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He has been profiled in major media, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, The Chicago Sun Times, WGN, Univision, and Chicago Public Radio. Robert is supported by political figures (at the local, state and national level), business owners, corporations, University Professors, and middle and high school teachers and principals who share his universal message that everyone has the right to live the American Dream!
Robert was recently honored the prestigious award of the 2010 Chicago Latino Professional of the Year.
Robert Renteria, the successful businessman-turned-author of “From the Barrio to the Board Room and Mi Barrio,” is sharing his books with youth across America to replace violence, delinquency, gangs and drugs with education, pride, accomplishment, and self esteem.
Robert has dedicated his life to sharing his story with thousands of others so that they, too, can help break the vicious cycle of poverty through hard work, determination and education. His books and the accompanying curriculums, are forming our “leaders of tomorrow” by helping them to find their identity, establish core values, set goals for themselves, prioritize education, and strive to reach their full potential. His books are now being taught in schools to students all around America and in many communities all around the world.
Renteria has been the keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Reception for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, where he was recognized for his achievements as a civic leader and Latino author. He has also presented at the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, McDonald’s Hamburger University, the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association annual conference, the Hispanic National Bar Association in Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He has been profiled in major media, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, The Chicago Sun Times, WGN, Univision, and Chicago Public Radio. Robert is supported by political figures (at the local, state and national level), business owners, corporations, University Professors, and middle and high school teachers and principals who share his universal message that everyone has the right to live the American Dream!
Robert was recently honored the prestigious award of the 2010 Chicago Latino Professional of the Year.
Blog Tour Schedule
Week One
Mon June 20 Musings http://nilkibenitez.blogspot.com
Tues June 21 Dulce Bread & Book Shop http://dulcebreadandbookshop.com/
Wed June 22 Frankie Benitez http://juliorvarela.com/
Thurs June 23 Brown Girl BookSpeak http://books.browngirlspeaks.com/
Fri June 24 Latina Book Club http://www.latinabookclub.com/
Week Two
Mon June 27 VivirLatino http://vivirlatino.com/
Tues June 28 Blogs By Latinas http://www.clicklatina.com/
Wed June 29 Dos Idiomas/Two Languages http://www.ofelianj.com/
Thurs June 30 Juan of Words http://www.juanofwords.com/
Fri July 1 Sammy Makes Six http://www.sammymakessix.com/
Live Chat with author Robert Renteria scheduled for Sunday, June 26 at 7 pm EST. http://condorbooktours.com/Author_Chat_Salon.php
