Free Lunch

 Free Lunch

Ogle, R. (2019). Free Lunch. WW Norton. ISBN 978-1-324-00360-1

Summary:

Instead of giving him lunch money, Rex’s mom has signed him up for free meals. As a poor kid in a wealthy school district, better-off kids crowd impatiently behind him as he tries to explain to the cashier that he’s on the free meal program. The lunch lady is hard of hearing, so Rex has to shout.

Free Lunch is the story of Rex’s efforts to navigate his first semester of sixth grade―who to sit with, not being able to join the football team, Halloween in a handmade costume, classmates and a teacher who take one look at him and decide he’s trouble―all while wearing secondhand clothes and being hungry. His mom and her boyfriend are out of work, and life at home is punctuated by outbursts of violence. Halfway through the semester, his family is evicted and ends up in government-subsidized housing in view of the school. Rex lingers at the end of last period every day until the buses have left, so no one will see where he lives. (Ogle, n.d.)

Analysis:

Rex Ogle writes a tragic and astounding account of his sixth grade self growing up in the throes of poverty. Tasked with the care of his young brother, and witness to domestic violence and financial hardship, Rex must find his way in a harsh world. The cafeteria line becomes a flashpoint as each day he must declare anew his ‘free lunch’ status in front of his peers. This book exposes the silent and subtle ways that poverty erodes a child's self-esteem and sense of well-being. The author’s writing is unapologetic and compelling, it rings of truth and tragedy. Told from the perspective of a young teenager, the story is written with a practicality that seems simple but without losing the complexity of the characters. Due to the matter-of-fact way the author tells his story, it feels conversational, and it will break your heart. Themes of violence give me caution in recommending this book to a young audience.

Reviews:

Ogle's engrossing narrative is rich in lived experience, offering a window into the ways that poverty can lead to domestic violence and feelings of unworthiness. The abuse Rex and his mother suffer will disturb many; too many others will recognize Rex's circumstances as their own. Appended with an author's note, Q&A, and social services resources, this is an important and ultimately hopeful memoir. 

(Weisman, K. (2019). Free Lunch. Booklist, 115(22), 50.)

It's a fine balance carried by the author's outstanding, gracious writing and a clear eye for the penetrating truth. A mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism. 

(Free Lunch. (2019). Kirkus Reviews, 87(13), N.PAG.)

Awards:

2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5385.