Free Lunch

By: Rex Ogle

Narrated by: Ramon De Ocampo

A distinctive new voice: Rex Ogle's story of starting middle school on the free lunch program is timely, heartbreaking, and true. Free Lunch is the story of Rex Ogle's first semester in sixth grade. Rex and his baby brother often went hungry, wore secondhand clothes, and were short of school supplies, and Rex was on his school's free lunch program. Grounded in the immediacy of physical hunger and the humiliation of having to announce it every day in the school lunch line, Rex's is a compelling story of a more profound hunger - that of a child for his parents' love and care.

Compulsively listenable, beautifully crafted, and authentically told with the voice and point of view of a sixth-grade kid, Free Lunch is a remarkable debut by a gifted storyteller.

©2019 Rex Ogle (P)2019 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

“Outstanding, gracious writing and a clear eye for the penetrating truth. A mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Narrator was awesome

His voice and accent changes were effective. Each character has their own tone. Brought the story together.

Grown-up, sad/emotional, beautiful

I haven't enjoyed such a well-written book in years. I cried a lot. Such a talented author.

the narrative was amazing

This story really guided you through the perspective of a child trying to do better than his parents and living in poverty and the feelings this bring out. It's my favorite read of 2024

The content.

The truth and transparency touched on the life many of us do not see or are conscious of. The struggles of the poor are sad.

Loved it

This story was terrific. It took me through a bunch of emotions as I listened. I felt for Rex and the struggles of his family.

This is definitely a book that I will listen to multiple times.

Awesome Book!

Fantastic book, highly recommend it! The audio was outstanding! Everyone can relate to this book!

Wholesome & easy to read

This was a great book! Easy to listen too & while touched on tough topics was done so well. I often wondered to myself… I know Rex grew up to be a wonderful & thoughtful man from these hardships he faced. I never rooted for a fictional character so hard!

Captivating, shocking, tear-jerking, and inspiring

Poverty is a catastrophic problem in America. It’s that much more unfair when kids are involved, so hearing a first-hand account of how financial struggles impacts one’s youth is bittersweet yet awe-inspiring. Rex’ account definitely makes me want to do more for the impoverished. This is a must read for anyone curious about how poverty can change someone’s life.

Great memoir and narration!

Lots of great lessons to learn from this memoir! My kids and I laughed, cried, and really felt every word of this book. It was really meaningful.

The narrator was perfect.

the oscars

the oscars. I have been comforted, but the only one who has a great day and I am a very nice, and the last time. . I have been comforted, but the only one who has a great day and I am a very nice, and the last time. . I have been comforted, but the only one who has