Free Lunch by Rex Ogle

 

Earlier this week, I read Free Lunch by Rex Ogle. This memoir is about Rex's experiences during his first semester of sixth grade. Because his family is poor, Rex's mother signs him up for the Free Lunch Program at school. Rex is very embarrassed the first time he gets lunch when he has to shout for the lunch lady to hear him because she is hard of hearing. Then, Rex is disappointed when he can't join the football team as school and his longtime friends don't want to eat lunch with him anymore. His English teacher even shows prejudice against him. On top of his challenges at school, his mom and her boyfriend are out of work and they all get into verbal, and sometimes physical, fights. Soon, Rex makes a new friend, Ethan, who introduces him to X-Men and shares his comic books. He also takes care of his younger half brother, Ford. Unfortunately, circumstances take a turn for the worse after Thanksgiving when his family has to move into government-subsidized housing near the school. Rex's mom is desperately looking for a job, though, so Rex has hope that things will get better.

For me, this memoir was a very fast and engaging read. At the same time, it was hard to read about the abuse and neglect in Rex's home because I could see just how much his mom and her boyfriend were hurting him. I had so compassion for Rex because he had many challenges growing up poor. One of my favorite parts of the memoir was Rex's friendship with Ethan because they bonded over comics and had surprisingly philosophical discussions. I wasn't expecting that. I also especially enjoyed Rex's relationship with Ford. Even though they weren't supposed to leave the apartment building when their parents left them home alone for a few days, I was happy that Rex decided the two of them should get ice cream instead of getting high like their other friends in the apartment complex. Unfortunately, I knew Rex would still get in trouble because he went against his parents' directions and chose an irresponsible option, even if it was the lesser of the two. Additionally, I liked when Ford would make Rex laugh. Although things were looking pretty bleak for Rex's family, the memoir does end on a hopeful note. Rex's story shines a light on poverty in America, and I think anyone should read it.