Disrupting Criteria for Authenticity in Latina/o Literature: The Case of Isabel Quintero's Gabi

• In Event: Rousing Ourselves From Fever Dreams of American Myths: Critical Multicultural Analyses and Dialogic Discussions of Children's and Young Adult Literature

Abstract

Discussions of multicultural literature often center on the notion of cultural authenticity with a particular focus on the status, belonging, or rights of the authors who create this literature. Significantly less attention has been paid, however, to how implicit expectations of cultural authenticity shape the reception of Latino/a literature. Through analysis of Isabel Quintero’s Gabi: A Girl in Pieces and an online discussion of its suitability for two different book awards, this paper demonstrates how implicit expectations of authenticity limit attention to authors’ artistic skill, repertoires, and cultural insights.

Authors

• Ashley Hope Perez, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Patricia E. Enciso, The Ohio State University