Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush by Luis Alberto Urrea 64 pp.
This slim graphic novel is worth giving a look. The beautiful illustrations by Christopher Cardinale take this simple short story to a whole new level. Mr. Mendoza, the "graffiti king" leaves his mark in the Mexican town of Rosario in the form of graffiti. Much of his graffiti is humorous while cutting to the heart of an issue as in "No intelligent life for 100 kilometers" on the sign proclaiming the town name or "Mendoza never slept here" on the wall by the cemetery. When a series of mysterious messages appear, including "Mendoza goes to heaven on tuesday[sic]," the townspeople begin to speculate whether he is sick or suicidal. The answer to the mystery is surprising.
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