Free Lunch

Bought this book for my 9 year old and it is far from being a grade school book. P*ssy and many other curse words are present as well as the book having many suicidal thoughts and dreams by the author.I understand those thoughts and being ‘real’ to readers, but readers as young as 4th grade should not be introduced to those things quite yet.

I bought this for my child, who reads well above grade level since it was on a list of good books for 7/8th grade (my child is in 3rd). I am extremely disappointed that the other chose to use profanity and ruin any type of impact a diverse book like this could make. Even if my child were in 7/8th grade this book would not be appropriate. My husband and I do not talk like this and my children will certainly not be reading foul language. Returning!

This is such a timely book, as headlines lately have pointed out the public shaming many children have to endure to receive their "free lunch." Government assistance for children whose parents are not earning a living wage should be one of this country's top priorities. Having a system that makes them identify themselves as " free lunch" on a daily basis seems designed to humiliate them. Blessings on the financially stable parents who included him as one of their own. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors, but we can all try to make children feel like equals. Bravo to Rex Ogle for sharing his story!

I was completely moved, inspired, and humbled by this story. There's moments where I cried, others where I smiled, but mostly my heart just grew and grew. For those with first-hand experience with poverty and abuse, Rex's story might make you feel a little less alone in the world. But I think people of all backgrounds will find this relatable and engaging. These issues are reflected thru the lens of common childhood experiences- insecurity, fear, confusion, loss, hope. Yes indeed—HOPE. As hard as the world gets, little Rex maintains the strength to find his way in this heart-breaking world. A lesson on surviving life's obstacles, no matter how difficult they may be.

My middle schooler read this for school and I decided to read it as well as the reviews highlighted language concerns. I thought the book was fantastic. It exposes the reader to poverty and abuse (physical and verbal) as well as friendship and love. I agree this book is not for every young reader. There are homophobic and racist slurs. The book provides countless teaching moments and warrants discussion with the young reader. That all being said, I would highly recommend this book to adult readers and to mature young readers followed by or in tandem with adult discussion.

All-absorbing read about the struggles of a sweet boy who persevered despite poverty and domestic violence. Heartbreaking and honest, this book made me rethink things about my own life, and gain some much-needed perspective and empathy. Great for middle school kids, parents, teachers and anyone who could use a dose of happy sadness.

While this book is geared towards a young adult reader, this 38 year-old really enjoyed it too. While the subject matter of poverty and abuse are not pleasant, this is an important story to tell and told in a way that makes reading it enjoyable. Please read this book.

Both my 11 year old son and I read the book and enjoyed it. There are some hard truths in the book, but the author handles them with grace and relatability. The book is engaging from beginning to end and related to my son important life lessons, from hunger to family struggles to financial instability. Parents will enjoy the book, however I think it’s an important read for youth, both those who have similar experiences, to know they aren’t alone, and those who have not, so they can gain new perspective and understanding. Highly recommended!

Wonderful but heart-wrenching tale. So well written. Highly recommend.

An easy read and an insight into how children have to deal with image and mental health issues in the home.