You’re invited to join the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach for an online discussion with award-winning author Rex Ogle, as he talks with 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 decided 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.

While this work and accompanying talk is intended for juveniles, adults are more than welcome to listen and participate in the conversation. 

Register now to join the conversation!

About the Author: Rex Ogle is the author of "Free Lunch", winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award; "Punching Bag", a New York Public Library Best Book; "Abuela Don’t Forget Me", finalist for the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award; and "Road Home", which received a Printz Honor and a Stonewall Book Award Honor. He lives in Los Angeles, California.