The businessman turned author of From the Barrio to the Board Room, Robert J. Renteria, Jr. is part of the Multicultural Author Panel on Tuesday, May 1, at the IRA Annual Convention. This author, raised in the East L.A. barrio with a troubled youth and adolescence, shares his thoughts about challenging the secret darkness in many children's lives through inspiring writing. 

Reading Today: What got you interested in writing books for children and/or young adults?

Robert Rentaria: We have children, teenagers, adults alike walking around in a culture of darkness and I wanted to do something about it. 

RT: What do consider your best book to date and why?

RR: My graphic novel Mi Barrio because it brought From the Barrio to the Board Room to life to teach people around the world that Barrio is not just a book with words but a burning message of hope and dreams.

RT: What can attendees at IRA Chicago expect to hear from you?

RR: That knowledge is power and the secrets to success are hard work, dedication, and education. And, that the most important thing in this lifetime is family. 

Read more about Renteria, his work, and his outreach to troubled youth at www.fromthebarrio.com. For more information about the 2012 IRA Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 to May 2, visit www.iraconvention.org.

Robert Rentaria Will Be There…Will You?