Plot: This is a book by Rex Ogle. It is about Rex’s childhood that he spent majorly in Texas. He lived in poverty and did not have many good things. At school, his mom signs him up for free lunch program. He has constant arguments with his parents, prejudice from his teachers, and has only a few friends. His mom and her boyfriend have constant arguments, most ending in violent fights. They are unable to keep jobs and soon Rex is forced to move to a government owned building complex for poor people. What follows next in Rex’s life is the story of this book.
Likes: I did not like this book too much because there is a lot of bad language, violence and arguments. It is a sad story, but has a few bright things like Rex getting a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas. One way to look at this book is it teaches kids that life is not fair to all. Not everybody gets a happy family, three meals a day and comforts of life. This can teach kids to be grateful and thankful for what they have.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to kids 11 years and older because the book has a lot of strong language and very hard and emotional concepts that may be overwhelming for younger kids. The book demands a certain level of emotional maturity to understand the story and handle how life can be really painful for some kids. I do think kids should read this book, but at a certain age. This book has received the ALA/YALSA Award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Rating: 2/5
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