Testimonials
"As a mother of two middle school aged boys, I am faced with the challenge of finding books they will enjoy reading. A book that supports the values they need to hold onto, especially as young teens in todayʼs world. Band of Innocence graphic novel is that book. The message of compassion and responsibility of choices supports what I try to teach them everyday. Sprinkled with humor, adventure and inspiration it is a book that prompts conversations. Robert Agnelloʼs belief in the Band of Innocence shines through. I recommend this book to parents and children alike." Robin Adam Testimonial by Dr. Gilda Carle (Ph.D.) During a recent speech I was giving to a parents group and their teens, I held up an issue of People Magazine depicting the suicide of a beautiful young girl. What would cause such an innocent child to suffer such depression that she would take her own life? Bullying from her schoolmates. I detailed in my speech that while our culture adeptly teaches the 3 R’s, what is omitted from every school curriculum is a crucial fourth one, namely Respect. As an educator, I wonder how kids can be taught respect for one another when they don’t even know the basics of respecting themselves? Clearly, something is missing, and it has been missing for a very long time. Teaching self-worth and the optimizing of interpersonal relationships is the professional work I do. I need all the help I can get. Robert Agnello’s MOVEMENT, “Band of Innocence,” supports my work. He returns us to the basics of purity and innocence, where the world can be a more loving place. Unabashedly acknowledging that our adults have fallen into darkness, Agnello pursues the children of our society whose minds are still open and fresh to goodness. He offers a comic book, one of a series, that ponders questions such as, “Why do people have to hurt things that don’t hurt them?” The issues raised are probing, and can be used as guides in both classrooms and homes. It is bibliotherapy at its best! Agnello’s goal is for children to discover who they are and what they can become—without the influences of traits such as greed that their parents have adopted. How can kids go about this difficult task? Their credo is “powerful alone, unstoppable together.” Through his materials, children learn the very valuable lessons of teamwork, and apply them to the mandates of the earth, their food supply, and, of course, one another. The greater good will prevail as the children chant, “The sword of truth shall not be silent.” Amid this scenario, I would never have to give another speech about childhood bullying, suicide, or evil. What a delicious goal that could be! I wholeheartedly stand behind this work, and “The Band of Innocence” movement about to explode. In fact, I’m wearing my white band on my wrist right now! Dr. Gilda Carle (Ph.D.) To Whom It May Concern: Robert Agnello came to speak to seventh grade students at Columbia Middle School recently. This was related to an independent reading project for our students to explore a graphic novel. Robert was energetic, interesting, and dynamic. The students really enjoyed his visit. Robert discussed the process of creating a graphic novel in an easy to relate to manner. He brought samples of his work and gave the students book marks and bracelets. Robert sent us a PowerPoint to preview before he spoke to our students. He was willing and eager to speak to our students and get our feedback about his plan before he came to speak . Robert is a talented, creative artist with many areas of expertise. He spoke briefly of his life’s work, instantly grabbing the students’ attention as he named celebrities he’s encountered and his own stints as a performing musician. All along, Robert’s main message was an inspiring one: “You can do anything you set your mind to do.” Quickly following his short bio, Robert introduced the theory behind his graphic novel, The Band of Innocence. The inventive characters in his story belong to this group of good-doers. They are children who, in their innocence, believe in making the world a better place. In his presentation, Robert Agnello gave a brief but thorough preview of each character – who they are, where they come from, what they look like, their super powers. He reinforced the idea that, although each child comes from a different background, they have a common purpose: the good of the world. Through the creation of these children, Robert not only gave a worthwhile lesson in making characters come to life, but he also shared a message in character education and caring for our environment. After giving the students an opportunity to preview the images from his book and discussing how to create a graphic novel, Robert allowed our inquisitive students to ask questions and share their thoughts. He was as inspired by their ideas as they were by his message. As the students shared their farewells, Robert Agnello handed each of them a bracelet, their own “band of innocence”, as a token of appreciation and a symbol of each student’s ability to make a positive change in our world. Many of our students sent emails to Robert the next day, without being asked to thank him, and they sent their thanks and other thoughts. They felt that he was interesting and interested in them and their thoughts. His visit was an amazing enrichment of our English curriculum. Ms. Einhorn "I just looked at the BOI website and I was moved to tears (Tom Hedden is my witness) when I read 'about the Author.' You are such a gift to the world Robert, your ability to make people smile on the inside, your willingness to share the goodness that you have in your soul, your capacity for empathy and your insight into peoples deepest places. I am so grateful to have met you and to have been given the chance to love you." Dana Hedden "I love the philosophy behind " BAND OF INNOCENCE"....bringing children back to their true roots to Innocence.....unfortunately as adults we keep ruining their world and your approach to try to save them is admirable.....I wish you nothing but success.... " Ellen Goldstein "Robert, I thoroughly enjoyed the Band of Innocence. What an imagination... you could become the Stephen King of the comic world. A great read for both young and old, and with plenty of food for thought. It was hard to put down, I wanted to read it in one sitting. The art work is awesome too. Great job!" Mike Kosiba |
