Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Ogle, R. (2021). Free lunch. Norton Young Readers.

ISBN 1324016949

 

Plot 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 must shout. This 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 takes one look at him and decides 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.

 

 

Critical Analysis-

This is a powerful and sometimes disturbing memoir that will open people’s eyes to what kids may be going through when they come to school each day. Rex Ogle does a great job of honestly sharing a story that could not have been easy to write. Many kids will benefit from reading this, including those who may be going through experiences similar to Rex’s. When first starting the book, I didn’t think it was a good fit for middle grades or young adults. After reading the book in its entirety, I decided that with guidance for younger readers who haven't been exposed to some of the content in the story, it would be a compelling book. It is easy to point out bad character traits and create in depth discussions about those. There are plenty of other teachable moments throughout the book as well. Some funny moments are included and help lighten the mood. There will undoubtedly be minor discomfort while reading the more violent and negative events. Overall, it is a tough read, especially in its unflinching portrayal of domestic violence. Hopefully it will be enlightening for some young readers and validating for others. Ogle truly excelled at illustrating how intertwined poverty is with shame, fear, and especially anger.

 

Review Excerpts-

2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award

“Complex characterization and a bold, compassionate thesis.”- Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Outstanding, gracious writing and a clear eye for the penetrating truth. A mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism.”- Kirkus Starred Review

 

 

Connections-

-Have students, in their reading response journal, write a letter to a character they choose. Discuss how you are similar or different. Tell the character something you admire about them and why. This helps the students understand empathy and put it into practice.

-Students can choose a significant event from the book and write a journal entry from the characters point of view.

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

  Book Review-       Bibliography: Colandro, L. (2014).  THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY!  (J. D. Lee, Ill.). Cartwheel Books.     Plot Summary: The bestselling Old Lady series created its own version of the original, classic song: there was an old lady who swallowed a fly! In this story, the old lady swallows animals one after another until she ends up with a full house of lovable pets.   Critical Analysis: In this story, the plot is simple yet full of action and nonsense. When reading the text, there is a sense of rhythm and rhyme that makes it easy for students to follow along. The style of writing is simple and repetitive making it perfect for younger readers. The illustrations by J.D. Lee are detailed, hilarious and set the scene for the whole story.       Review Excerpts: Booklist Review- “Although there are many versions of this perennial favorite, this is one of the funniest an...
Read more

Code Talker

                                                                             Book Review: Bibliography- Bruchac, J. (2005). Code talker . Scholastic Paperbacks. ISBN- 978-0142405963 Plot Summary-  Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years. Now Joseph Bruchac brings those stories to life through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspirin...
Read more
  Book Review-   Bibliography: Wiesner, D. (2001).  THE THREE PIGS . Clarion Books.   Plot Summary: This version of the classic 3 little pigs story starts out seemingly familiar as three pigs are preparing to build houses out of straw, sticks and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story and into the realm of pure imagination! From there begins a freewheeling adventure as they wander and fly through other stories, encountering a dragon and a cat with a fiddle, among others. This familiar tale will never be the same old story again.   Critical Analysis: The fable contains many common features associated with the fairy tale, with some fun surprises. This story is told from the point of view of the three pigs.  The pigs eventually join up with others, to travel to different stories and settings.  Once the characters leave their story, they inherit word...
Read more