Two teenage boys struggle to cope with a seemingly inescapable set of tragic life circumstances.

The first-person narrative conveys an innocent sense of transparency through its simplisitic yet gritty tone. The resulting authenticity evokes an overwhelming feeling of empathy for its readers.

You find youself rooting for the overly-responsible narrator who assumes the role of care taker while simultaneously oozing age-appropriate naivety. We cheer over his developed internal strength as he begins to adhere to a personal moral code. We see him start to demonstrate the wisdom gained from his dark experiences.

And, we cling to the plot as it unfurls. I couldn't move through the pages quickly enough.

The resounding ending leaves a lot to ponder. How do we deal with the cards that life has dealt?

I recommed this read as a quick yet deeply thought-provoking evening or weekend pick.

Review of When We Ride by Rex Ogle

Rex Ogle delivers another powerful and emotionally charged novel with When We Ride (Norton Young Readers). This gripping story captures the harsh realities of growing up too soon, navigating friendships in uncertain circumstances, and facing the weight of addiction. Ogle’s writing is both raw and poetic, making the novel impossible to put down. At its heart, When We Ride is about survival, resilience, and the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood. A short but deeply impactful read, it lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for providing a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

WHEN WE RIDE by Rex Ogle left me shell-shocked. It shouldn’t have because I know the facts but seeing it fleshed out in two likable young men is more powerful than reading grim newspaper accounts. Brothers they were, for better or worse.

If this is the reality playing out in some of our high schools, maybe most, then this book should be required reading. And since it is in verse, I mean “read” properly, in the oral tradition. Out loud. It is a play behind the covers. Teachers can point out the way the oral tradition developed in ancient times, from poetry to many centuries later, the novel. This book provides many “teaching moments.” As above, for better or worse.

With thanks to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Co. for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this as an ARC from the publisher. I don't know quite what I was expected when I picked this one up, but I was absolutely blown away. I've never read anything by Rex Ogle before, but I sure will now.

At first, I was kind of put off by the formatting of the book. It bugged me for probably the first 10 pages. But once I settled in and stopped fighting it, I could really appreciate how it was controlling the pacing, steering the reader through the story and forcing them to stop on all of the points that were supposed to make you stop and really think.

I love that it didn't rely on stereotypes or tropes. I love (and hate) that it made me struggle through difficult thoughts and emotions. There was never a point in the story where I was thinking "you idiot, why didn't you just [x, y, z]." You might think it for a split second until you realize that [x, y, and z] aren't options, either. Benny's mom at Christmas absolutely broke my freaking heart.

I'm amazed at how Ogle was able to develop characters so thoroughly and to weave a plot line with so many interesting facets to it with so few words. Just a few little snippets of paragraphs on a page with forced spacing, and it just painted this profound picture that would be so much less if he had filled up the page with words trying to get us there. It's sad, a little depressing, with glimmers of hope, and feelings of unfairness for who wins and who loses and who doesn't have choices that are any good to make. Just like life.

It was a quick read, but it's really sticking with me. Things happened so quickly, and so powerfully, and then the feelings kind of crash into each other and all sneak up on you. I was fine when I finished reading it (sad, but fine), and then twenty minutes after I finished reading, I found myself with tears coming down my face.

Don't pass this one up.

This book was incredible. I often find that researchong older YA 'for boys' to be a reall challenge, and finding YA that deals with serious topics tob e even harder. However, When We Ride dealt with many issues and it was done in such a beautiful way, I loved it. This title will definitely become one of my 'easy hand sales', and I'd love to see more books in the same format. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for access.

Big thanks to NetGalley & the publisher W. W. Norton & Company for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

This story follows two best friends Diego and Lawson, growing up together and taking to very different paths with incredibly similar circumstances. These boys are both raised by single mothers after their fathers left, figuring out how to financially support themselves through entirely different means, all while living across the street from one another. Diego is being encouraged by his mother (who works multiple jobs, has given her car to Diego, and is struggling with alcoholism), throughout the story to focus on his education so that he can become the first one in his family to go to college and create a better future for himself. Diego struggles with the systematic inequalities he faces due to race and familial income, all while Lawson takes another path by selling drugs to make money, and continually ingratiates himself to Diego for him to drive places to deal.

This was my first full length prose intended for a YA audience, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was completely blown away. This was a super quick read (only took about an hour!), but was compelling enough to not have me put it down once. I was definitely skeptical of the format and whether or not I'd be drawn in, but I found myself completely enamored by the storytelling Ogle manages throughout. There were moments throughout that pulled at my heartstrings in a way that I certainly was not expecting. This is the kind of storytelling that will truly impact younger generations and will certainly change some lives in the process. My literal only complaint was that the formatting of this ARC for Kindle was a little difficult to read due to the stylization of the tire tracks, but after checking the NetGalley Reader I can confirm that it was solely an issue for that medium and am certain it will be revised for the full kindle version with standard release.

This novel in verse was written so well, it's been a really long time since I've read a book in this format and instantly enjoyed it. The ending however really made me hate a certain character in this and I think that's the point. This a real great PSA about selling drugs and enabling people because you love them. Great representation of male friendship as well. Also shows hardships about how poorer people without connections struggle to rise out of their poverty. Really loved the main character and how he had a wide array of emotions instead of the regular man has no emotions, he felt real and I really appreciate that in books. Highly recommend to anyone who likes Ellen Hopkins.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc! I simply could not put this one down, I was too enamored by the stylistic choice, the novel-in-prose being something I’d never read before. Interestingly enough, it was incredibly easy to follow along, and the emotions conveyed throughout really hit home.

The story itself follows two boys in their senior year, best friends, who veer into wildly different paths, yet remain close to one another. One becomes increasingly wrapped up in selling drugs while the other looks toward his future, every day hoping for things to get better for the two of them. It accurately portrays the lengths we go for our friends, for our selves, and for our families.

I am one of those people who believes the less said the more feeling is behind it and this one, while sparse in prose or description, was able to show me everything I needed. I thought this book was simply beautiful.

This book was short and sweet and definitely emotional. One the main themes in this book is loyalty, it makes you think and want to examine the relationships that you have. Will you allow toxic relationships to ruin your life? This book gives new meaning to the phrase "loyal to a fault"- beautifully written and definitely recommend.

This is unlike any novel I’ve read before. The unique formatting really enhanced different parts of the story. I believe this book could resonate with teens around the world. Benny is caught between trying to do what’s right and being there for his friend Lawson. His mom, a recovering alcoholic who works two jobs to make ends meet, just wants him to be better than she was. This is a beautifully tragic story.

-- This is a glimpse of my original review. Please take a read of the whole thing on my blog!

This book made me sad. It just fell into this stereotypical American trope of young men getting sucked into a life they never wanted for themselves and the colored-kid (in this case Mexican) only seems to achieve something because of the home life they come from.

Good book. Would I call it poetry, no maybe not — although I’m awful judge of modern poetry, so maybe I’ll stay away from that aspect. I liked the way it was written. I think if a teacher wanted to introduce the way things can go from bad to worse in a short period of time, this book could definitely introduce it.

I came into this book knowing that Rex Ogle is a wonderful writer, and this one did not disappoint. In this book we meet a boy with some similarities to Rex' own life in terms of the financial struggle and Latino heritage, but at the point where the story begins, his mother has become fully supportive of Diego (Benny) and believes that he will be able to make a change in his life through education. No father is present.

The tension in this story is the hope that Benny will live up to this opportunity (and he is actively following this dream by working hard for his grades as well as working in a diner to save for it) while worrying about his friendship with Lawson, his neighbor/best friend/"brother" who feels he is responsible for his mother and himself and turns to making "real money" by selling marijuana, and eventually more dangerous substances. The worry is present for the whole story as Benny continually tries to maintain his friendship with Lawson and help him try to find a different path while also protecting his own future.. The ending was both disheartening and hopeful.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!

As a reader and an educator, I am a huge fan of Rex Ogle's work. His own stories and the way he tells the stories of others are so needed by young people today. When We Ride is a beautiful novel in verse about two best friends who are seemingly headed in very different directions after high school. Teen readers will be able to relate to at least of the struggles the boys face in their friendship and though it is a tough story, I think it's an important one. I will absolutely be ordering a copy for my classroom library!

This is a huge compliment to the author, but this book ripped my heart out in a way that typically only Jeff Zentner has been able to do. If you know, you know.

When We Ride explores themes of friendship, society, loyalty and family. Beautifully written novel in verse, it is both approachable and motivating for the YA audience it is intended for.

Diego and Lawson have been friends since Grade 3, and that means a lot to both of them, even if one is sinking deeper into drug dealing, and one is looking for a way out of town via college. SO MUCH for kids to grapple with and discuss, making this perfect for a teen book club. This author doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and I am so glad.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the eARC of this amazing story.

When We Ride is a verse novel that is, at times, overwhelming. The storyline is so bleak, but with moments of hope, that it keeps you engaged. The relationship between the two young men is heart wrenching. Diego and Lawson are truly "ride or die" friends. The further you sink into their world, the more you become invested in their futures. The language can sometimes be rough and there are multiple references to drinking, drugs and violence. It is not an easy read, but well worth it for any young adult living in a similar environment
This book exceeded my expectations.

**Book Review: *When We Ride* by Rex Ogle**

Rex Ogle’s *When We Ride* is a poignant and gripping tale of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of hard choices. Diego Benevides, a hardworking teenager with big dreams, finds himself caught between his determination to escape the hardships of his neighborhood and his loyalty to his best friend, Lawson.

The story is raw and unflinching, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by teens growing up in difficult environments. Ogle’s portrayal of Diego’s internal conflict feels authentic and relatable. Diego’s single mother’s encouragement to prioritize school and his future adds an emotional layer to the narrative, making his moral dilemmas even more heart-wrenching.

The book's exploration of peer pressure, the allure of easy money, and the dangerous world of drug dealing resonates deeply with the challenges many teens face. As Lawson’s decisions spiral out of control, the tension builds, culminating in an ending that is as heartbreaking as it is powerful.

*When We Ride* is more than just a cautionary tale; it’s a story about choices, consequences, and the strength it takes to forge your own path. Ogle’s writing is vivid and compelling, making it easy for readers to empathize with Diego’s struggles.

This is a must-read for teens and adults alike, offering valuable lessons wrapped in a deeply emotional story. Be prepared for a thought-provoking journey and an ending that lingers long after the last page.

What happens when the friend who has always had your back and been your “ride or die” starts making self-destructive decisions that jeopardize everything for both their future and yours?
Once again Rex Ogle has written a beautifully crafted, emotionally impactful book that shines a spotlight on the impossible decisions some of our teens face in our world today. He has used his gift for poetry to write his first novel in verse & I am certain this masterpiece of style and substance will resonate with me for a very long time.
Diego and Lawson have been “brothers from another mother” since 3rd grade, but now that they’re seniors in high school both struggling to finish school and help support single-mother households. While Diego gets an honest job busing tables making minimum wage, Lawson sees a path to fast money and gets caught up in the local drug scene.
From very early on, I could sense that this book may not end with a “happily ever after” but it’s so engaging and gripping that I couldn’t look away. Diego is struggling so hard to save everyone in his life that he often sacrifices his own time and convictions in the hopes that he will be there to prevent disaster. When reading I got so angry at everyone- at Lawson for sure but also there were moments I was mad at Diego for being stupid or his mom for not being stronger or even Rex for making me care about these self-destructive characters. But through the anger, I could still see the beauty of friendship and the hope that you could love someone enough to save them from themselves.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC & thanks to my friend Rex for writing beautiful, painful truths once again!

Ogle's first work of fiction is a masterpiece. It was a heartbreaking read but so true to what high school is these days. Diego comes from a single home family and his mom's dream is for him to graduate and go to college. His best friend, Lawson, lives across the street and sells drugs. At first it is only weed and it bumps up to harder drugs. Diego does his best to stay away from it but Lawson is constantly asking for a ride. He doesn't partake in drugs or alcohol but finds himself around it constantly. Diego's mom also struggled with alcoholism and doesn't like his friendship with Lawson.

Oh…. Wow.
Rex is an auto-read for me. Everything I’ve read that he has written moves me and brings forward emotions that are difficult to elicit with a book. But he does it. I’m not huge on novels in-verse, but the ones I love, I really love - and I really really loved this one. I found that I was so tense during some parts, relaxed and smiling during others. I felt dread, anxiety, anger, and hopefulness for the characters. Outstanding writing.

I typically don't read YA novels- but this novel in verse was recommended by a person I follow on Instagram. It was a sit down and read from beginning to end. And you realize that the end isn't going to be what you hoped it would be. I can see this being a highly impactful novel for YA.