You’re invited to join us online with award-winning author Rex Ogle as he talks to viewers about his struggles to navigate sixth grade as written about in his book Free Lunch.
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.
Unsparing and realistic, Free Lunch is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and Free Lunch is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America. Register now to join the conversation!
About the Author:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author of over a hundred books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch (which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction), Abuela Don’t Forget Me (nominated for the previous award as well), and middle grade graphic novels Four Eyes and Pizza Face.
Under pseudonym REY TERCIERO, he penned bestselling Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy, as well as Northranger, nominated for both Harvey and GLAAD Media Awards.
Born and raised in Texas, Rex now lives in Los Angeles where he writes every day—when he’s not reading X-Men, gaming with friends, or chasing his dog, Toby.
The event will be recorded for later viewing. Access all recordings here.
View all upcoming events in this series.
