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A review by marylannireads
When We Ride by Rex Ogle
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Benny and Lawson have been friends for most of their lives, bonding initially over similar family dynamics and a shared love of video games. But as the two boys age, their differences become more pronounced, especially as Benny works hard to improve his life, succeed in school, and be the first in his family to go to college, while Lawson turns to the dangerous world of drug dealing to pay the bills. Through the ups and downs, however, the two remain steadfast brothers by choice, even when everything begins falling apart.
This compelling novel in verse is gripping from the first pages, as guns and drugs take center stage in Benny’s retelling of the story. Told primarily from Benny’s point of view in the first person, the narrative permits readers to understand the dynamic nature of the internal conflict Benny faces on a daily basis: support his friend or fight for his own future. Central to this drama is the difference in the boys’ backgrounds: Lawson has light skin and a gregarious personality while Benny is Mexican and has to work for everything he has. Throughout the story, readers are frequently faced with the potential that exists for Benny to lose everything in an attempt to protect Lawson.
Because it is written in verse, this novel flows quickly, though the intensity of the storyline is felt even though there are limited words used. The placement of the text is important, as are the words themselves, ranging from banal, everyday conversations to the strong language used in moments of fear or anger. Thanks to the short lines and ample white space, this book is especially well suited to reluctant readers. Best for a mature audience due to both strong language and sensitive subject matter, this book is one that will resonate with a wide range of readers. Poignant and memorable, this verse novel is a standout in its genre and is sure to spark conversation both in the classroom and beyond.
This compelling novel in verse is gripping from the first pages, as guns and drugs take center stage in Benny’s retelling of the story. Told primarily from Benny’s point of view in the first person, the narrative permits readers to understand the dynamic nature of the internal conflict Benny faces on a daily basis: support his friend or fight for his own future. Central to this drama is the difference in the boys’ backgrounds: Lawson has light skin and a gregarious personality while Benny is Mexican and has to work for everything he has. Throughout the story, readers are frequently faced with the potential that exists for Benny to lose everything in an attempt to protect Lawson.
Because it is written in verse, this novel flows quickly, though the intensity of the storyline is felt even though there are limited words used. The placement of the text is important, as are the words themselves, ranging from banal, everyday conversations to the strong language used in moments of fear or anger. Thanks to the short lines and ample white space, this book is especially well suited to reluctant readers. Best for a mature audience due to both strong language and sensitive subject matter, this book is one that will resonate with a wide range of readers. Poignant and memorable, this verse novel is a standout in its genre and is sure to spark conversation both in the classroom and beyond.