Rex Ogle has written his autiobiography in Free Lunch, a story about a young boy trying to survive a year in sixth grade. His dad left the family when Rex was five, and his mom has had many boyfriends, but they are now living with her latest, Sam, the maintenance man for their apartment complex. The family lives on food stamps, since Sam draws a small salary and Rex’s mother is out of a job. Both adults are physically abusive toward each other, and Rex’s mother is very abusive with him. Rex must watch his two and a half year old younger brother constantly, and is forced to grow up quickly, given all his responsibilities. There is a light at the end of the story, but Rex effectively illustrates how living in poverty makes for a miserable existence. A good read for today’s youth, especially those who take their wealth for granted.
Palisades Free Library Blog 