When We Ride by Rex Ogle
Published: 2023
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Coming-of-Age
Themes: Family bonds, self-discovery, grief, healing, friendship, identity, overcoming adversity, LGBTQ+ relationships
Page Count: ~336
Language: English
One-Sentence Review:
When We Ride by Rex Ogle is a powerful and heartfelt story about two teens navigating loss, discovering themselves, and finding hope and love despite life’s toughest challenges.
What you can expect from this book:
- A moving coming-of-age story featuring a diverse cast of characters
- Honest exploration of grief and the impact of loss on family relationships
- Insightful look at identity, especially around LGBTQ+ issues and self-acceptance
- Relatable depictions of bullying, mental health struggles, and resilience
- Letter-like storytelling that brings readers close to the emotional world of the teens
- Opportunities to connect with themes of belonging, trust, and healing
- Heartwarming moments of friendship, loyalty, and new love
- Authentic portrayal of how young people deal with everyday challenges and big changes
- Accessible writing suitable for upper elementary and middle grade readers, yet meaningful for all ages
- Intimate, character-driven narrative that encourages empathy and understanding
Conclusion:
When We Ride by Rex Ogle is best suited for readers who enjoy realistic stories about growing up, overcoming adversity, and finding strength in community and self-love; it stands out for its emotional honesty, diverse representation, and encouragement for young people to keep moving forward through difficult times.
