5 Questions With...Rex Ogle!

Photo provided courtesy of Rex Ogle

Written by Ava M.
Grade 8

Welcome back to a new round of 5 Questions With, where members of the Teen Book Guild have the chance to ask five questions of a favorite author. Recently, I had one amazing opportunity to connect with Rex Ogle, author of Road Home, a memoir, When We Ride, a YA novel written in verse and many more! He writes many different types of books such as graphic novels, memoirs, books in verse and of course YA! 

1. When you first decided to pursue a writing career, what was the most difficult thing to overcome?  

REX:  The amount of people saying "NO" that I wasn't prepared for.  And actually, there were a lot less "NO's" than just agents and editors never replying.  Or even replying and then ghosting me.  But now I believe that is par for the course when choosing artistic endeavors.  It's so hard to break in, but once you have one, it's easier to get another and another and so on.  But that first one?  That's the hardest.  Though it took me a long time to realize I shouldn't think of a "NO" as defeat but instead as a badge of honor because I put myself out there.  And if you never take a swing, you're never gonna hit the ball.   

2. When creating the characters of Diego and Lawson, were any of the character elements based on people or events from your own life? 

 REX:  I'd say the book is about 70% based on true life events. My senior year, my best friend was in fact a drug dealer, and there were times when i drove him to drug deals and did my homework in the car.  They say "write what you know".  I always found that difficult when i wrote fantasy and sci-fi and horror, but for this book it came quite naturally.  

3. If someone reads your novel When We Ride, what message would you want them to take away after reading it?  

REX:   My main focus is that they realize kids who do bad things aren't bad people.  Teen drug dealers aren't failing society.  Society is failing them.  If they hadn't been put in a situation where they have to help their parents pay bills or provide food, then they wouldn't be doing something dangerous to earn money.  Sometimes good kids do bad things for good reasons.  We shouldn't look down on them. 

4. Are there any details in the novel that a reader might overlook but that play a crucial role in the plot's development? 

REX:  I can't think of any.  Writing in verse, there's so little to read, which means the story itself is delivered in a very concentrated format.  There are fewer words, so each one means so much more.  

5. This book is told mostly from Diego’s perspective, with Lawson’s perspective appearing at the very end. If you could write from another character’s perspective, whose would it be? 

REX:  Every character in everyone of my books has a larger story.  But I always choose who I think would be best to tell the story.  In this situation, it has to be Diego.  If it was told from anyone else's perspective the story would be completely different.  If I had to choose one though, it would be Lawson.  It would be intersting to see his perspective.  But I always think it's wonderful to see circumstances through different eyes.  It helps all of us develop empathy that is much-needed in our world, especially now.  

A huge thank you is in order to Rex Ogle! We highly appreciate all of your considerate responses. 

You can check out When We Ride and more of Rex's work at the Winter Park Library! 

Graphic novel series featuring young authors and their true stories

Written by Kaitlyn K., Lisa W. and Taylor K.

Through the graphic novel medium, Zuiker Press has been able to both convey the stories of real people as well as help young readers understand and relate to the situations described. This graphic novel series, which currently contains nine stories, explores a variety of topics, some of which include racism, suicide, bullying, and divorce. One graphic novel, titled Activist, describes the story of a student during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting. This does not only especially impact young readers in Florida but also shows how Zuiker Press has committed itself to help readers “cope with the challenges they face today” (Zuiker Press). While reading is a powerful tool on its own, these graphic novels will strengthen this power. By giving young readers the ability to explore various emotional and social issues, this series acts as a guarantee that they are not alone and empower them. 

Here's a closer look at some of the titles:

Activist tells the story of a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shooting in Parkland, Florida. Lauren lost two very close friends that day, and 15 other students lost their lives. Instead of choosing to let her grief overwhelm her, Lauren became an activist and was determined to march for the right for every kid to be safe in their school. 

Brother tells the story of Bridget Hudgens and her brother Carlton, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at an early age. As she grows up, Bridget realizes that, even though she acts as Carlton’s protector, there are other people in his life who can guide and aid him. Through the ups and downs of life, Brother demonstrates that even though someone has special needs, they still have the ability to live and learn, and don’t always need a “protector”. 

The story of Click begins with Lexi leading a normal teenage life, participating on sports teams and hanging out with her friends. However after a misinterpretation, Lexi becomes the target of cyberbullying at the hands of her peers. While it does depict a specific story of cyberbullying, the emotions Lexi experiences are universal to those who have faced bullying of any kind. By showing how one can rise up against their bullies, Click leaves readers feeling empowered.

Goodbye is the story of Hailee, told through her parents. Two days after her 13th Birthday, she committed suicide. Hailee's parents decided to tell her story in the hopes that they can reach other people in time, and the result is a book that highlights the struggles of a mourning family.

Identity is the story of Corey, a transgender girl. Corey, with unconditional support from her mother, moves from school to school in the hopes that she might fit in somewhere. Along the way she has to deal with bullies and other obstacles, but later in life she joins pride parades and becomes a beacon of hope for other transitioning teens. 

Imperfect portrays the struggles that come with Body Dysmorphic Disorder through the voice of Dounya Awada. Transfixed by her body image, Dounya finds herself at a point of self-destruction, by starving herself and purging. This graphic novel is an ideal way to bring awareness to Body Dysmorphic Disorder and portray the horrors faced by many teens in this day and age. 

Mend depicts the story of nine year-old Sophia as she navigates through her new life following her parent’s unexpected divorce. Focusing on a topic familiar to many readers, Mend provides hope to those who have experienced divorce by helping them understand what it is they may be feeling. 

The Making of a Navy SEAL by Brandon Webb

Reviewed by Andrew A.
Grade 9

Brandon Webb, a real life Navy SEAL shares his story of the encounters he's made to become a SEAL and the struggles he's been through.

The book starts with Webb's early years as a struggling teen who needed a path. One day he is recommended to join the SEALs by a group of pro scuba divers. This sets his life's journey. He joins programs to get him on his way to be a SEAL. With much doubt from peers, he tries even harder until he's in.

The SEAL training program(BUD/S) is immensely hard for him and he gets very stressed out physically yet even more mentally. When he Passes BUD/S, he goes on to do remarkable things in SEAL Team 3. Stories of his miraculous adventures are told and those stories of others such as Chris Kyle as well.

Brandon Webb, is undoubtedly one of the most motivated people alive today. He takes advice and doesn't forget it. He never stops fighting for what he wants. "The only way I'm leaving is in a body bag through the back door," Webb said in response to being yelled at to leave BUD/S. He doesn't back down to anything and is at the same time very humble. The whole setting is very interesting as it moves many times but always has tons of action.

I'd recommend The Making of a Navy SEAL: My Story of Surviving the Toughest Challenge and Training the Best to anyone. Because of the morals, it inspires you to follow your dreams that much harder and never give up. It shows no matter the circumstances there is always a way to win.