Reviews

Free Lunch by Rex Ogle

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Looking for a book to spark empathy in a young person? This is it! Free Lunch is a memoir of a 6th grade boy living in a home of poverty and abuse. He struggles to fit in and tries to rise above the stigma that seems to accompany the students who are part of the free lunch program. This book is equal parts thought provoking and heartbreaking. I definitely gained a deeper sense of empathy for my students in this situation and have been challenged to think more consciously about the way I treat my students.

I have never read a Middle Grade memoir before. I saw this book recommended on Instagram and checked it out from the school library. I hope many of my students decide to read it and that it changes the way they think about and treat others.

sculpthead's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

5.0

allisonchoi's review

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reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

stefhudon's review

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5.0

A must read for anyone and everyone. A look into the reality of many children's lives that will truly open your eyes to their hardships and will act as a reminder to listen to any child you may interact with because you may not know what is going on at home.

aclopez6's review

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5.0

Given that this book was written for middle-grade audiences, and is shelved in the children's section (at my library), my wish is that the ending was more developed, and that there were resources, or perhaps an author interview at the end.

jerrilea's review

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5.0

This memoir is not just a glimpse into the life of a child in poverty; it is a deep sea dive into it. Ogle is honest and true to his story in such a way that it grips your heart and takes you on a ride no one wants to take but everyone should. Thank you, Rex Ogle, for sharing your story, not just a story of abuse, poverty, shame, but a story of change, hope, and perspective. A must read for everyone!