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! 

Goodnight Homeroom: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to High School by Sam Kaplan

by Kate D.
Grade 11

Watch out, eighth graders, because high school is closer than you think. Goodnight Homeroom: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to High School is an easy read, filled with colorful imagery and rhyme. Unlike your homework, you won’t have to worry about the due date to return this book because of its length and simple language.

This book was inspired by the famous children’s book, Goodnight Moon. Goodnight Homeroom tells the reader about a general high school experience, highlighting important events and helping the reader navigate the next four years. Inside, there is a summary of not only high school, but differences and struggles between all four grades.

The illustrations within Goodnight Homeroon are colorful and unique. The book is in second person in order to highlight your journey. While there is valuable information within Goodnight Homeroom, be wary for not all of the information applies to everyone and some of the lines can be interpreted wrong. Such is shown in multiple lines, such as: “And take mental health breaks/not sometimes, but often.” While mental health is important, so are your grades and attendance. Be cautious with how many “breaks” you take throughout the school year.

While mainly targeted to incoming high school freshmen, Goodnight Homeroom is an excellent gist of what the year will bring for any rising ninth, tenth, eleventh, or even twelfth graders. It truly was written to follow: “The advice I wish I knew before high school.” 

Book Review: The 21: the True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change by Elizabeth Rusch

Reviewed by Helena M.
Grade 8

The Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change by Elizabeth Rusch tells the story of Juliana vs the United States, the highly controversial case that sued the government over climate change. The account follows Julia Olson, a lawyer, and twenty-one youth of all ages. They all have one thing in common - a history of environmental activism and concern.

Julia, who trained as an environmental lawyer, begins to discover the harmful effects of climate change on youth. She hatches a plan with professors, scholars, and other lawyers to file legal action against the United States. They decide on the most unlikely plaintiffs - teens and children, ranging from as young as seven to late teens. They file cases in different states, but it doesn’t work. With their lack of success, they came up with ideas and decided on twenty-one youth plaintiffs to go to the federal courts. They had to face off against oil industry attorneys and federal government attorneys to get their case to trial.

The best part of this book is that it is a real story. Its primary audience is younger audiences, specifically younger teens. I thought that this book was very inspirational. It tells teens and children all around the world that they could do something, anything, to help their communities. This message is essential to make a change in this world and to become a better society.

Throughout the book, I found myself checking the Our Children’s Trust website for any updates on Julianna vs the United States. I always look forward to reading the latest news and updates.

The account felt unreal (in a good way). Elizabeth Rusch tells the story in a way that makes it feel like a novel or a movie. It has a mix of dialogue, a few pictures, information about how the court system works, and a few thoughts from the plaintiffs. With the many different types of writing, it felt like a scrapbook of the whole case, which makes it enjoyable for younger teens.

In conclusion, The Twenty-One: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change is an essential read. It was captivating, unique, and enthralling. I looked forward to reading The Twenty-One every night and telling my friends and family about what I learned. It was inspirational and motivated me to do something good for the world. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in environmental politics or even just activism.

 

Review: Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell

Reviewed by Helena M.
Grade 8 

In Everything I Learned about Racism I Learned in School, Tiffany Jewell attempts to expose the horrors of the education system with eye-opening accounts and strong evidence. It is an essential read because of its truthful information that can help young people understand another’s perspective.

Jewell, with the help of many other authors and notable figures, uses her own experiences to construct a powerful array of stories. In some sections, for example, it could be a poem, and in another, it could be Jewell narrating her own experience. The variety of resources presented in the book helps create a vision for the reader and helps them step into another’s shoes.

For the reader to understand what this book is about (it can be a bit confusing to explain), I would like to discuss a chapter of it: “What I Didn’t Learn in History Class.” This chapter is Jewell’s narration, reflecting on her history class. Throughout her years in school, she found a common pattern - purposely skipping important events. In one section, she observes that the history classes often focused on events long ago, not recent ones because they were “too difficult” to talk about. They would often make up excuses like they “didn’t have time” or it “wasn’t in the textbook.” I never really considered this before reading. I realized that, throughout my education, recent events were rarely discussed, like the Hamas and Israeli wars. Instead, we discussed long-ago wars that are not as relevant.

Although there is not much wrong with this book, I found it a bit too informal in some parts. For example, she often says “folks”, which does not, in my opinion, make the writing quality as good as it should be. I had high expectations for this book in writing style and quality, but it did not meet them. However, the main purpose of this book is not to enjoy the writing but to learn about the movement it represents.

I enjoyed Everything I Learned about Racism I Learned in School because of its variety of stories and their impact on readers. It had a friendly manner, which I believe will help contribute to its success come its release in February 2024. It has easy-to-read language in most sections and relatable experiences (like the Hatchet chapter, which is a story that many middle and elementary schools have read). With the relatable experience, it felt easier to comprehend the harder parts of the book. A lot of the sections could be upsetting, but Jewell added anecdotes and jokes to lighten the mood. The most important part of the book, however, is the theme. Jewell’s message is essential to hear, much like her other books. Everything I Learned about Racism I Learned in School is one large call to action.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about racism, even though it is aimed at young adults. I truly think that many people would benefit from hearing the other side of the story. I learned from this book that for many issues, not just racism, empathy is essential to solve problems.

Real Stories. Real Excellence.

Each year the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) awards a best young adult nonfiction book published that year. In December, five titles were named as nominees. 

Winter Park Library currently has four of these titles in our collection, and members of the Teen Book Guild read them and share our thoughts below. On Monday, January 22, the winner of the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults will be announced as part of the Youth Media Awards given at the LibLearnX Conference in Baltimore. 

Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed by Dashka Slater

Dashka Slater’s book follows the lives of students in a small California town after an offensive private account on Instagram gets leaked. The account is filled with quotes from the real people who were affected and how their lives changed. It deserves to win since it shows the amount of damage just one decision can make. Cyberbullying is a huge problem since people don’t have to confront their target in person. Accountable shines a light on the issue and provides a real story to show the importance of thinking before you act. (BK)
 
America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg-Riger

This nonfiction work smoothly incorporates both text and images/illustrations to impart a large chunk of American history. But don’t be fooled into thinking it reads like a textbook. It is the most creative depiction of historical information I’ve ever seen, and it often looks like a scrapbook just teeming with tidbits of history. Everything on the page catches your eye at once and invites you to read more. It covers topics from the Civil War and abolitionist movement to women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.

This book is incredible in the way that it takes a subject that can so often be dreadfully boring and transforms it into a creative format that entices the reader while still getting the information across. Another highlight of this book was that it combines well-known knowledge with more obscure facts that would be new to most readers. Everyone who reads this stunning work will certainly learn something new. (GH)
 
Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam by Thien Pham

Family Style tells the story of the Pham family and their experiences through food. The family is originally from Vietnam and immigrated to California. The book is separated into chapters based on a certain food like Salisbury steak and croissants. Family Style does a great job showing the ups and downs of moving to another country in an interesting way. It is very important to learn about the struggles of immigrants to gain empathy and learn that everyone deserves to be treated well. This book deserves the award because it uses food to convey messages about the characters’ lives which is unique but the plot is still clear and to the point. (BK)  
 
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge

 This historical work uses the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano as its primary source. Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge have compiled his accounts and added insight of their own to this book, which is written in verse. This poetic way of writing follows Equiano’s personal account of the transatlantic slave trade. Very few primary source materials from this journey have been found, which makes Equiano’s story even more important. You follow him as a young child in Africa to his life of slavery (and then freedom) in America. 

The prose and poetry of this work is beautiful, and I love the way that the verse form of Equiano’s account of his life is supplemented with additional information from Edinger and Younge. The secondary annotations are seamlessly woven into the bookl when needed and aid in the understanding of historical events. The verse form makes for a quick read, but every sentence is packed with meaning. Equiano’s story is must-read. (GH) 

*Librarian note: Our Library does not yet have From Here in our collection, but it's on its way!

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

Reviewed by Yusmibel L.
Grade 10

Beyond Magenta - Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin was an informative and perspective-challenging experience. Each section was thoughtfully written and the book contains a thorough explanation of its sources and the journey taken to create it. Although I felt quite positively about the book, each portion of it wasn’t equally enjoyable. It was easier to connect with some individual’s thoughts more than others. Despite this it definitely would provide a different experience to connect for every reader.

The book stars 6 teens--Jessy, Christina, Mariah, Cameron, Nat, and Luke. Each story was mostly written in a loose interview with an introspective take on their childhood. They all somewhat include the discovery of their gender, their personal and family relationships, and challenges they experienced throughout their life . Although these people identify as transgender, they each have vastly different experiences. Half of the participants fall within the binary of male or female; the other half fall somewhere between those two lines.

Quite possibly the best part of the book was the style in which it was written. It was easy to read. All of these people have vastly different relationships with their gender identity. Each ‘chapter’ reflects this by having a different flair to it customized by each subject. With a special distinction made with Luke’s chapter, his story is written more as a play to express his involvement in theatre and the arts. His chapter is also where the book gets its name. 

The comparison between each segment was subtle at points but gave some insight into the style and personality of each person that the writing couldn't. The use of photographs throughout the story helped create a connection between the contributors of the book. Although the book has some relevant resources in the final chapter of the book, some bits of the book do reveal it as somewhat dated. Although I feel this doesn’t detract much from the value of the book, it’s to be noted it interchangeably uses transsexual and transgender. Neither of these terms are inherently wrong in their meaning. However, transsexual can be considered a more specific term under the transgender umbrella. Transexual can also be considered an offensive term for some and has gone out of popular use in 2018. It also includes the term metrosexual, another term that has fallen in popularity and use.

Beyond Magenta is a part of the ALA’s top 10 most challenged books of 2021 for its LQBTQIA+ content and because it’s considered sexually explicit. Although both of these are characteristics of the book, they are both crucial to the book’s message and informative nature. Written in a subheading labeled “nut’s and bolts” in the Authors' note, Kuklin states the basic plan of the book was to write non-fiction about sex and alienation. 

Although the book is in part somewhat outdated, it’s written about a complex and evolving subject. I cannot step into the shoes of my transgender friends and, although I know some of their experience, I’m somewhat ignorant on the subject. I don’t know the nuance of their relationship with gender. This book was a fantastic chance to broaden my view on how complex that relationship is and can be. There is so much more to being trans than simply wanting to be a boy or a girl and being in the opposite body. The people in this book were messy, unique, and sincere in the telling of their story.

Several times did it make me want to step back and try to read the book as if I were different people. I recommend this book. It was a learning experience for me and the goal was definitely successfully achieved experience. 

Celebrating our freedom to read during Banned Books Week

Written by Bella S., Sienna V., Bel L., Delany B., Leiden T.

As Americans, one of the main issues of our country is freedom. We can say what we want, protest what we want, publicize what we want, and we have many other rights that allow us to be free from control so that we can make our own choices. But lately, one particular problem continues to occur. Should we be allowed to have the freedom to choose what we want to read as teens? 

Some believe that just as we can write what we want, we should be able to read what we want. But others think that we should be limited on what content we are exposed to. Topics like race, gender, and culture are all on the chopping block. As you continue to read, books that have been nominated to be banned will be reviewed. But I’ll let you make your own decisions on what you think about banning books. (BS)

Below are some of the books that have been included an the American Library Association's Top 10 Most Challenged Books lists for 2021 - 2020:

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out (2014) by Susan Kuklin

Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and because it was considered to be sexually explicit. 

Beyond Magenta is a collection of interview style tales told by several trans and queer teens. Between the gorgeous photography in this book, comes honest reflections of their experiences coming of age while grappling with their gender identity. Their place as a banned/challenged book is just one of many attempts to conceal their stories. (BL)

#10 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2012) by Jesse Andrews

Reasons: Banned and challenged because it was considered sexually explicit and degrading to women

This book follows the tale of Greg, Earl, and his former friend Rachel, who now has cancer. Earl has been forced by his mother to help Rachel find happiness in her horrible situation. In the book, it has multiple slurs used along with racial stereotypes and misogyny. Despite this, I do not believe any book should be banned to the public, so I do not think the correct decision is the ban it. Though, I do not support the book in any capacity. (LT)

#7 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007) by Sherman Alexie

Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references and use of a derogatory term

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-native, is a semi-autobiographical novel about the life of a young Native American named Junior. This book should not be banned or challenged because it offers a new perspective about America which often gets overlooked, and it gives Native American children a new narrative with universal challenges such as poverty and sexuality. Alexie forces American students, who often only hear about Native Americans in regard to tragedy, to see them as real people. (DB)

#6 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021

All Boys Aren’t Blue (2020) by George M. Johnson

Reasons: Banned and challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, profanity, and because it was considered to be sexually explicit

All Boys Aren't Blue is a memoir that follows the life of George Johnson. It highlights their struggles growing up and dealing with racism, homophobia, and gender identity. This book most definitely should not be banned because it can be a great help to others that are experiencing George's same struggles. Not only do I think this book should not be banned, I think that everyone should read it to get educated on the importance of equality. (SV)

#3 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021

Speak (1999) by Laurie Halse Anderson

Reasons: Banned, challenged, and restricted because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity

Speak is a novel about a girl named Melinda who is dealing with sexual assault. While this is a heavy topic, it is a sad reality that so many people face. This book is so important to help people understand that they are not alone. Aside from it being informative, it is also very well written and illustrates the struggles Melinda faces. (SV)

#4 of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020

Click here for more information on the history of Banned Books Week.

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. 

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Reviewed by Cole M.
Grade 11

The book Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood is a coming of age tale of a young man in South Africa during and after the Apartheid.

The narrative is split into two separate parts: one being Trevor Noah's childhood and the other his teenage and adolescent years. In his childhood years, he was treated as white by his family and black by the caucasians in South Africa. This leads to him feeling like an outsider no matter where he goes; whether it be the schools or the neighborhoods he lives in. However, during his teenage years he decides to embrace his African identity. One thing allows him to be able to interact with others within the book and that is language. Because of this feeling of loneliness, Trevor figures out people are more welcoming if you speak their language. However, unlike some authors, Trevor doesn't only focus on the bad as he often looks back on the good as well. There are also small blurbs throughout the book discussing the history of Apartheid.

Trevor focuses heavily on race and how it impacted him throughout his life. For instance, he goes into how his relationship with his father was affected by racism during Apartheid. The emphasis on it shows the effect racist ideals used for propaganda in the Apartheid had on people during and after it.

I would highly recommend this book as it was an eye opener for me, but not to the point where it wasn't entertaining. Overall, a very good read.

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

Reviewed by Levon T.
Grade 8

Chris Kyle was a US Navy SEAL. In his autobiography, American Sniper, Kyle illustrates the role of the US Military in Iraq. He also includes his own experiences in the battlefield and at home.

As a young child, Chris Kyle had a great work ethic and a calling to help those in need. He also was a very fit and determined individual. All of this helped him become a Navy Seal, and later a sniper. Kyle was deployed in Iraq for four combat tours, from 1999 till 2009. He became the most lethal sniper in military history. Iraqi insurgents feared him so much they called him “al-Shaitan” (which means “the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head that grew to about $80,000. Kyle became a “LEGEND” among his fellow SEALs, Marines, U.S. Army soldiers, and even the GROM (Polish Special Forces). He fought alongside them in the streets, and protected them from rooftops and stealth positions. Throughout four combat deployments, he was awarded two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars.

When Kyle came home after the war, he started a company called Craft International, a sniper and marksmanship school for law enforcement and military. He also devoted the rest of his life to helping wounded veterans. Chris Kyle was a very accomplished, generous, and kind person, and he will be remembered for times to come.

I thought American Sniper was an extremely gripping book about the brutal story of war. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about what really went on in the US Military Deployment in Iraq, from the perspective of a Navy SEAL.

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.