Free Lunch By: Rex Ogle 

Sydni Harper 
Summary 
• Rex Ogle is learning how to navigate 6th grade. He lives in a primarily wealthy
school district while his family would be classified as living in poverty. To him, it
seems that everyone lives in a new house, has enough money to buy lunch, and is
able to provide for their families. Because of his low socio-economic status, Rex
experiences discrimination, violence, and consequences of poverty at home and
while attending school. 

• Stereotypes: 
• Well-dressed individuals are "smarter" than those who are poorly dressed 
• Biracial people are more associated with violence & crime 
• Those who are in poverty want to live in poverty  
Poverty & Why I
picked this book? 
• racial/Ethnic/cultural group focused on:
Poverty 

• Growing up in a small town, poverty is

not talked about often, Both of my
parent's lived in poverty in their
childhoods 
• Cultural Baggage? 
• I don't have any personal baggage; I just do
not have knowledge about this group and
what they go through. 

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-ND.

Historical Reference?
• In 1946, President Harry Truman established the National School Lunch program
that stated to "safeguard the health and well-being of the nation's children" 

• In the United States, many bars began giving out "free lunch" to customers who
have purchased one drink. 
Cultural Values 
• Holidays Thanksgiving & Christmas - This is valued to Rex because his grandmother comes
from Mexico to celebrate, and his mom and step-father are finally not fighting. It stated in
the book that he finally felt happy and that he valued the time spent with no abuse. 

• Hardwork: School work, taking care of his brother 

• Family- Abuela, Ford - Rex values his family as much as they act like he is the problem. His
grandmother always tries to provide for him and give him the life he deserves but his mother
strictly states otherwise. He values that he can have a positive role-model and someone to
look after him. Also, he values his relationship with his baby brother, despite his annoyance. 
Personal Awareness 
• Don't judge a book by its cover 
• Things aren't always as good as they seem to be 
• Hardwork and dedication goes a long way (in many aspects of life) 
• Made me realize how hard it is for victim's of abuse to talk to others about it and
get help 
Recommendations
• I would recommend this book as it portrays real feelings of someone who is living
in poverty. The author included how he was discriminated against which I believe
is important to recognize even at a young age. 
• The only thing I did not like about the book: 
• Did not tell anyone about the abuse he was experiencing at home
• Did not tell us as readers that abuse is not normal, and we should not
experience it no matter what is going on in our lives or who it is coming from. 
Future Growth 
• Interact/volunteer at shelters, homes, etc, to help those in need
• Limiting assumptions and sterotypes 
• Do more research and learn more about the culture and understand
their values and why they are important to them