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When We Ride: A Novel
Rex Ogle explores bonds of loyalty and friendship and how they’re tested by drugs and violence in this propulsive novel-in-verse.
Diego Benevides works hard. His single mother encourages him to stay focused on school, on getting into college, on getting out of their crumbling neighborhood. That’s why she gave him her car.
Diego’s best friend, Lawson, needs a ride—because Lawson is dealing. As long as Diego’s not carrying, not selling, it’s cool. It’s just weed.
But when Lawson starts carrying powder and pills and worse, their friendship is tested and their lives are threatened. As the lines between dealer and driver blur, everything Diego has worked for is jeopardized, and he faces a deadly reckoning with the choices he and his best friend have made.
Award-winning memoirist and poet Rex Ogle’s searing first novel-in-verse is an unforgettable story of the power and price of loyalty.
Diego Benevides works hard. His single mother encourages him to stay focused on school, on getting into college, on getting out of their crumbling neighborhood. That’s why she gave him her car.
Diego’s best friend, Lawson, needs a ride—because Lawson is dealing. As long as Diego’s not carrying, not selling, it’s cool. It’s just weed.
But when Lawson starts carrying powder and pills and worse, their friendship is tested and their lives are threatened. As the lines between dealer and driver blur, everything Diego has worked for is jeopardized, and he faces a deadly reckoning with the choices he and his best friend have made.
Award-winning memoirist and poet Rex Ogle’s searing first novel-in-verse is an unforgettable story of the power and price of loyalty.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
56 people are currently reading
7166 people want to read
About the author
Rex Ogle
64 books575 followersHoly moly! I am so humbled and honored for y'all to read my books. Big hugs to all of ya.
Also, check out graphic novels under my pen name REY TERCIERO.
Bio:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
Also, check out graphic novels under my pen name REY TERCIERO.
Bio:
REX OGLE is an award-winning author and the writer of nearly a hundred children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch, which won the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction.
Born and raised (mostly) in Texas, he moved to New York City after college to intern at Marvel Comics before moving over to DC Comics, Scholastic, and Little Brown Young Readers. As an editor, he championed over a dozen NY Times Bestsellers and worked on (and often wrote) major brands such as X-Men, Justice League, Star Wars, LEGO, Power Rangers, Transformers, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Neil Patrick Harris’s Magic Misfits.
Rex has written under a lot of pen names, including Trey King, Honest Lee, and Rey Terciero (a nickname given by his Abuela, being Español for “third king”, which is apt since Rex is Latin for “king”, and he is the third “Rex” in his family).
Now, Rex lives in Los Angeles where he writes in his spare time—that is, when he’s not outdoors hiking with his dog Toby, playing MarioKart with friends, or reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
February 21, 2025
Everything about this broke me, I'm shattered. Free verse has never been my favourite, however Rex has a way of making you FEEL for these characters in so little words, their mastery of the poetic form is evident.
When We Ride, explores themes of addiction, drugs, the dark and the gritty, the truth we are surrounding it. It is tragic, it is relatable, it reflects on loyalty and friendship and found family — you're screaming at Diego to leave Lawson, you know that it is only going to end in tragedy for both of them, you understand why Diego can't abandon his brother and why Lawson means so much to him but you know Lawson is NOT RIGHT for him. You are forced to watch as things take a turn for the worse — something you know is fated to happen — you just don't know HOW
and
so you
wait.....
until it all
comes
crashing
down.
My heart breaks for Lawson, for Diego, for Lori, for Venessa, for Diego's mum — and for all who have suffered as a consequence of drug abuse. Painful as this was to read, I hope it gets to more of its audience because it is so so important that the message reaches the masses, I've seen flames being extinguished because of one wrong association and one wrong turn and I just can't... Reading this a second time would be so much worse because now that you know what has happened you're just reading through the characters' minds and wishing they had gotten everything they deserved :')
Although it is a quick read, it is something that'll stick with you for ages to come.
TWs: drug abuse, drug selling, addiction, death, gun violence, socio-economic inequalities and discrimination
(Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the ARC)
When We Ride, explores themes of addiction, drugs, the dark and the gritty, the truth we are surrounding it. It is tragic, it is relatable, it reflects on loyalty and friendship and found family — you're screaming at Diego to leave Lawson, you know that it is only going to end in tragedy for both of them, you understand why Diego can't abandon his brother and why Lawson means so much to him but you know Lawson is NOT RIGHT for him. You are forced to watch as things take a turn for the worse — something you know is fated to happen — you just don't know HOW
and
so you
wait.....
until it all
comes
crashing
down.
My heart breaks for Lawson, for Diego, for Lori, for Venessa, for Diego's mum — and for all who have suffered as a consequence of drug abuse. Painful as this was to read, I hope it gets to more of its audience because it is so so important that the message reaches the masses, I've seen flames being extinguished because of one wrong association and one wrong turn and I just can't... Reading this a second time would be so much worse because now that you know what has happened you're just reading through the characters' minds and wishing they had gotten everything they deserved :')
Although it is a quick read, it is something that'll stick with you for ages to come.
TWs: drug abuse, drug selling, addiction, death, gun violence, socio-economic inequalities and discrimination
(Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the ARC)
September 12, 2025
Good grief!😭
This was so "readable." I'm not usually one to read verse novels, but my goodness, this was fantastic!
This was so "readable." I'm not usually one to read verse novels, but my goodness, this was fantastic!
July 29, 2025
brb crying my eyes out.
What really does brotherhood mean?
What really does brotherhood mean?
March 4, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published March 25, 2025.
This book is powerful! It’s the story of high school seniors Benny and Lawson: neighbors who become friends who become brothers.
Benny lives with his alcoholic mom. He’s a good student who has his eyes set on college. Lawson sells drugs. First pot then cocaine then other drugs. Benny always gives him a ride to school but also to his drug drops.
Over the course of their senior year Benny tries to push back: he doesn’t want any part of Lawson’s drug deals. But they are brothers so it’s hard to say no.
This should be a must read for high school students as it offers a very realistic look into drugs, peer pressure and how far you will go for a friend. It’s written in verse which makes it more powerful.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
.
This book is powerful! It’s the story of high school seniors Benny and Lawson: neighbors who become friends who become brothers.
Benny lives with his alcoholic mom. He’s a good student who has his eyes set on college. Lawson sells drugs. First pot then cocaine then other drugs. Benny always gives him a ride to school but also to his drug drops.
Over the course of their senior year Benny tries to push back: he doesn’t want any part of Lawson’s drug deals. But they are brothers so it’s hard to say no.
This should be a must read for high school students as it offers a very realistic look into drugs, peer pressure and how far you will go for a friend. It’s written in verse which makes it more powerful.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
.
October 12, 2024
Thank you Rex Ogle for being a friend to teachers & librarians. I found Free Lunch as a teacher & shared it w/my kids. Now a librarian, I share it w/teachers who share it w/their kids. Wish I had a HS library so I could share When We Ride. I bet they find it anyway on their own. This is another beautifully gritty window that exposes me to the world outside my own - no matter how tragic.
April 8, 2025
I've been waiting for this book since 2017 when Long Way Down became the go-to title for teens who need a highly engaging, readable, realistic, meaningful text. Ogle has written other strong volumes, including the memoir-in-verse Abuela, Don't Forget Me, but this might be even better. Diego narrates his friendship with Lawson, with whom he's been tight for a decade. Graduation is looming and Lawson's drug dealing is expanding; something about their friendship must change.
I know that many kids will find this story compelling, with an ambiguous ending that isn't easily anticipated. The drug use and dealing is realistic, as is some strong language, but there isn't any sexuality beyond Lawson having a girlfriend. I suspect that this will work in book clubs or as a whole class read. Might pair with The Nickel Boys or Of Mice and Men.
I know that many kids will find this story compelling, with an ambiguous ending that isn't easily anticipated. The drug use and dealing is realistic, as is some strong language, but there isn't any sexuality beyond Lawson having a girlfriend. I suspect that this will work in book clubs or as a whole class read. Might pair with The Nickel Boys or Of Mice and Men.
March 27, 2025
**e-ARC given by NetGalley for an honest review**
This book showed up, said “I need a ride” and broke me. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time, holding every crumb of hope for Diego and Lawson to be okay. This was a rollercoaster of a emotions steered by a master of character building. Novels in verse are some of my favorite ways to devour stories, but this particular one yanked me through the page and into their lives. I will likely read this book again as soon as it is published.
This book showed up, said “I need a ride” and broke me. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire time, holding every crumb of hope for Diego and Lawson to be okay. This was a rollercoaster of a emotions steered by a master of character building. Novels in verse are some of my favorite ways to devour stories, but this particular one yanked me through the page and into their lives. I will likely read this book again as soon as it is published.
February 20, 2025
Just wow. I’ve been reading YA for 15+ years and I’m ready to see this one win ALLLLLL the awards. The Printz and the National Book Award don’t often overlap, but I’m 👀👀👀
***
YA hits differently now that I have kids. I read it not just for my own entertainment, but with my boys in mind. Although they’re only 2 and 4, I’m always on the lookout for books to add to my personal YA library in hopes they’ll be interested someday. WHEN WE RIDE will join Neal Schusterman’s CHALLENGER DEEP and Jason Reynolds’s LONG WAY DOWN on my shelf as one of the most eloquently written, hardest-hitting YA books with a male narrator I’ve ever read.
This gut-wrenching novel-in-verse follows Diego “Benny” Benevides and his best friend, Lawson, through their senior year of high school. Benny and Lawson grew up in the same rough neighborhood and would do anything for each other. While neither has an easy road ahead after graduation, Benny is focused on getting into college, while Lawson sees selling drugs as his only way out. As Lawson slips further and further, dragging Benny down with him, Benny begins to question whether this friendship is worth risking his future.
This book is IMPORTANT. It is rare to find books for teens with male narrators who strike the right balance between being good role models and actually sounding realistic. Despite having a pretty clear message about the dangers of enabling someone you love, WHEN WE RIDE never once comes across as an “issue” book. The free verse style makes this a quick read, and it’s the best use of form I’ve come across in awhile. The formatting tells a story of its own, so this is one I’d highly recommend reading in print if you can.
A quick (spoiler-free) note on the ending: while it creates some plot holes, the emotional impact is worth it. No other ending could have hit this hard or been more fitting for this story and these characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the opportunity to read WHEN WE RIDE in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
***
YA hits differently now that I have kids. I read it not just for my own entertainment, but with my boys in mind. Although they’re only 2 and 4, I’m always on the lookout for books to add to my personal YA library in hopes they’ll be interested someday. WHEN WE RIDE will join Neal Schusterman’s CHALLENGER DEEP and Jason Reynolds’s LONG WAY DOWN on my shelf as one of the most eloquently written, hardest-hitting YA books with a male narrator I’ve ever read.
This gut-wrenching novel-in-verse follows Diego “Benny” Benevides and his best friend, Lawson, through their senior year of high school. Benny and Lawson grew up in the same rough neighborhood and would do anything for each other. While neither has an easy road ahead after graduation, Benny is focused on getting into college, while Lawson sees selling drugs as his only way out. As Lawson slips further and further, dragging Benny down with him, Benny begins to question whether this friendship is worth risking his future.
This book is IMPORTANT. It is rare to find books for teens with male narrators who strike the right balance between being good role models and actually sounding realistic. Despite having a pretty clear message about the dangers of enabling someone you love, WHEN WE RIDE never once comes across as an “issue” book. The free verse style makes this a quick read, and it’s the best use of form I’ve come across in awhile. The formatting tells a story of its own, so this is one I’d highly recommend reading in print if you can.
A quick (spoiler-free) note on the ending: while it creates some plot holes, the emotional impact is worth it. No other ending could have hit this hard or been more fitting for this story and these characters.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the opportunity to read WHEN WE RIDE in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 13, 2025
Es la primera vez que leo algo de Rex Ogle, Su novela "When we Ride" se enfoca en la dualidad de dos personajes.
El protagonista es Diego Benevides conocido como Benny que es inteligente, reflexivo y bastante reservado. Destaca por su lucha contra lo injusto y pelea constantemente con un entorno de drogas y pobreza. Aún así sus sueños son un futuro mejor, estudiar, lograr una beca, dejar el barrio que lo vio nacer. Desde el inicio vemos como su madre busca un mejor futuro para él y hace muchos sacrificios para poder darle algunas herramientas como por ejemplo el auto para que se transporte.
Por otro lado tenemos a Lawson un personaje que es gran amigo de Benny y que posee mucho carisma, pero es más impulsivo y temerario. A diferencia de Benny su vida es más oscura, se centra en la venta y consumo de drogas y su vida es un desastre.
Aunque la trama es bastante simple, me gusta la forma emotiva en verso en la que esta narrada. Es un estilo profundo que nos hace conocer más el interior de los personajes. Me parece que más allá de la dualidad el mensaje central podría ser: la fortaleza que ejerce el entorno más allá del deseo de las aspiraciones de cada persona. Los temas secundarios pueden ser la amistad, la lealtad, todo tipo de decisiones éticas y morales. El mensaje es simple porque no deja de ser una lectura para adulto joven. El estilo de poesía en verso libre hace que se sienta con ese toque diferente a las demás obras de drogas.
El desenlace es trágico, sin entrar en mayor spoilers, creo que también es bastante predecible pero también culmina de una manera decente. Le doy un 3.5 sobre 5 y lo recomiendo a todos aquellos que busquen una historia emocional y social sobre los problemas de drogas y pobreza que se originan en un vecindario.
Me quedo con la idea de que por más deseos que tenga una persona, realmente no puede lograr que otra cambie. Porque el cambio es un elemento más complejo que viene desde el interior de quien se ve afectado. Esa sensación de querer poner orden a todo, cuando muchas veces la naturaleza es caótica es sencillamente idealismo desde la visión de un romántico.
El protagonista es Diego Benevides conocido como Benny que es inteligente, reflexivo y bastante reservado. Destaca por su lucha contra lo injusto y pelea constantemente con un entorno de drogas y pobreza. Aún así sus sueños son un futuro mejor, estudiar, lograr una beca, dejar el barrio que lo vio nacer. Desde el inicio vemos como su madre busca un mejor futuro para él y hace muchos sacrificios para poder darle algunas herramientas como por ejemplo el auto para que se transporte.
Por otro lado tenemos a Lawson un personaje que es gran amigo de Benny y que posee mucho carisma, pero es más impulsivo y temerario. A diferencia de Benny su vida es más oscura, se centra en la venta y consumo de drogas y su vida es un desastre.
Aunque la trama es bastante simple, me gusta la forma emotiva en verso en la que esta narrada. Es un estilo profundo que nos hace conocer más el interior de los personajes. Me parece que más allá de la dualidad el mensaje central podría ser: la fortaleza que ejerce el entorno más allá del deseo de las aspiraciones de cada persona. Los temas secundarios pueden ser la amistad, la lealtad, todo tipo de decisiones éticas y morales. El mensaje es simple porque no deja de ser una lectura para adulto joven. El estilo de poesía en verso libre hace que se sienta con ese toque diferente a las demás obras de drogas.
El desenlace es trágico, sin entrar en mayor spoilers, creo que también es bastante predecible pero también culmina de una manera decente. Le doy un 3.5 sobre 5 y lo recomiendo a todos aquellos que busquen una historia emocional y social sobre los problemas de drogas y pobreza que se originan en un vecindario.
Me quedo con la idea de que por más deseos que tenga una persona, realmente no puede lograr que otra cambie. Porque el cambio es un elemento más complejo que viene desde el interior de quien se ve afectado. Esa sensación de querer poner orden a todo, cuando muchas veces la naturaleza es caótica es sencillamente idealismo desde la visión de un romántico.
May 12, 2025
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This book is in verse, and I usually have a hard time with books like this. I saw all the rave reviews and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did because it was great. Rex’s writing was able to grab me and not let go. I became attached to these characters rather quickly.
This novel needs to be in all schools and is required reading. It is heartbreaking, but it opens up an important conversation. It teaches you to look at the bigger picture. It shows you how things are not black and white. There are consequences to actions that can be life-altering. In this climate right now, it’s important to realize that someone who doesn’t have the same skin color as you is NOT less than. This book highlights differences in social classes and how some friendships can be toxic.
I don’t have much to say because I don’t want to spoil anything. This was a hard-hitting punch in the gut. Rex created such an impactful story, all told in verse. I think it’s such an important message, especially right now. I highly recommend you give this one a go. Just make sure to keep your tissues handy because you will need them.
Thank you, Norton Young Readers and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
This book is in verse, and I usually have a hard time with books like this. I saw all the rave reviews and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did because it was great. Rex’s writing was able to grab me and not let go. I became attached to these characters rather quickly.
This novel needs to be in all schools and is required reading. It is heartbreaking, but it opens up an important conversation. It teaches you to look at the bigger picture. It shows you how things are not black and white. There are consequences to actions that can be life-altering. In this climate right now, it’s important to realize that someone who doesn’t have the same skin color as you is NOT less than. This book highlights differences in social classes and how some friendships can be toxic.
I don’t have much to say because I don’t want to spoil anything. This was a hard-hitting punch in the gut. Rex created such an impactful story, all told in verse. I think it’s such an important message, especially right now. I highly recommend you give this one a go. Just make sure to keep your tissues handy because you will need them.
Thank you, Norton Young Readers and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2025
We've seen this story before.
The good kid works hards and studies, has big plans for the future, but his best friend is the bad influence, who wants to drop out of high school and deal drugs because he can't imagine any other future.
But this iteration is told well and reads quickly,
written
in free verse
so
there is a lot
of white space
on every
page.
This is the eighth Rex Ogle book I've read in the last two months. I didn't even know about this one until my wife ordered it from the library, and hey, since it's in the house now and is kinda short . . . And, oh wait, I have another one of his books written under the pen name Rey Terciero on my to-read shelf that I'll probably be getting to before September is over. I guess he's my "it" author of 2025.
The good kid works hards and studies, has big plans for the future, but his best friend is the bad influence, who wants to drop out of high school and deal drugs because he can't imagine any other future.
But this iteration is told well and reads quickly,
written
in free verse
so
there is a lot
of white space
on every
page.
This is the eighth Rex Ogle book I've read in the last two months. I didn't even know about this one until my wife ordered it from the library, and hey, since it's in the house now and is kinda short . . . And, oh wait, I have another one of his books written under the pen name Rey Terciero on my to-read shelf that I'll probably be getting to before September is over. I guess he's my "it" author of 2025.
March 25, 2025
Long ago in the 1990s, there were PSAs, after school specials, and very special episodes of your favorite sitcom. There are those of us geriatric millennials that still remember the trauma inducing moments in which we saw DJ Tanner confront Kimmy Gibbler about getting drunk and attempting to drive home or the Family Matters episode that saw Laura get robbed at gun point by a gang. Some of the most upsetting were the "Just Say No" era cartoons that had characters from Jem and Holograms becoming addicted to pills, hallucinating, and nearly falling off of their roof or "Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue" showing Bus Bunny coming to the aid of Michael as he is lured in by an anthropomorphic marijuana cloud. All this to say Rex Ogle's When We Ride has a very strong 90s PSA/very special episode feel to it. That might sound like a bad thing, but in all honestly, given the audience that this book is intended for, I think it's kind of perfect.
Diego "Benny" Benevides is our narrator in Ogle's novel in verse. He and his neighbor/best friend/'brother' are desperate to escape the poverty and desolation of the town that they are currently residing in. Each boy approaches their escape differently. Benny works hard in school and does everything in his power to earn a college scholarship and graduate at the top of his class. He is constantly sharing the plots of the books he reads with Lawson as they ride around town in Benny's car. Lawson attempts to free himself from his circumstances through dealing drugs. Lawson's need for Benny's transportation around town pulls Benny deeper into Lawson's world as it spins further out of control and heads toward an inevitably violent end.
Both Benny and Lawson are well-developed, complex characters. Both grow up without a father in their lives and both have mothers that struggle to take care of them. Benny's mom is an alcoholic that struggles to remain sober, while Lawson's mom seems to have simply accepted her disease and relies on her son's ill-gotten money to pay for groceries, bills, and rent. Topics like addiction, privilege, and bias are touched upon throughout the text, but most of the story revolves around Benny's struggle between his loyalty to Lawson and his knowledge that he was complicit in Lawson's dealing.
Ogle builds tension throughout the text and keeps the reader guessing as to how things will eventually come to a head. Though it may be a shock to many, especially younger readers, those of us that grew up in the 80s and 90s might be able to guess where this story is going pretty early on. That said, it's still gripping and impactful and serves as a valuable reminder for a younger audience that actions have consequences and intentions mean nothing in the real world.
Diego "Benny" Benevides is our narrator in Ogle's novel in verse. He and his neighbor/best friend/'brother' are desperate to escape the poverty and desolation of the town that they are currently residing in. Each boy approaches their escape differently. Benny works hard in school and does everything in his power to earn a college scholarship and graduate at the top of his class. He is constantly sharing the plots of the books he reads with Lawson as they ride around town in Benny's car. Lawson attempts to free himself from his circumstances through dealing drugs. Lawson's need for Benny's transportation around town pulls Benny deeper into Lawson's world as it spins further out of control and heads toward an inevitably violent end.
Both Benny and Lawson are well-developed, complex characters. Both grow up without a father in their lives and both have mothers that struggle to take care of them. Benny's mom is an alcoholic that struggles to remain sober, while Lawson's mom seems to have simply accepted her disease and relies on her son's ill-gotten money to pay for groceries, bills, and rent. Topics like addiction, privilege, and bias are touched upon throughout the text, but most of the story revolves around Benny's struggle between his loyalty to Lawson and his knowledge that he was complicit in Lawson's dealing.
Ogle builds tension throughout the text and keeps the reader guessing as to how things will eventually come to a head. Though it may be a shock to many, especially younger readers, those of us that grew up in the 80s and 90s might be able to guess where this story is going pretty early on. That said, it's still gripping and impactful and serves as a valuable reminder for a younger audience that actions have consequences and intentions mean nothing in the real world.
August 15, 2025
This was a coming-of-age story based on friendship, family, trust, loyalty, boundaries, and growth. Benny & Lawson are best friends who go through the motions of high school. Both young men are on a different path of life, but they continue to stand by each other, until something so drastic happens, causing one of them to change their life entirely.
I haven’t ever read a poetry book like this before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was heartwarming, yet heart wrenching at the same time. I highly recommend it!
I haven’t ever read a poetry book like this before, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was heartwarming, yet heart wrenching at the same time. I highly recommend it!
January 7, 2026
Rex Ogle will always be one of my favorite authors. I devour everything that he writes. They are so impactful, so meaningful, and this one did not disappoint. It crushed me. A beautiful story told in verse about the friendship between two boys and how they navigate going down different paths. Stunningly done!
not-for-me
September 1, 2025I'm leaving this one without a rating and putting it on the shelf. It is a book written in verse, and I always struggle with those. The emotional impact this thing is going to have on me is going to be tremendous, and I'm really just not up for it right now. I've seen too many Bennys and Lawsons.
December 31, 2025
Powerful. So grateful to have books like this that explore deep male friendships and what brotherhood/chosen family looks like.
I read this with my 13 year old daughter (we love Rex Ogle!) and we both loved it and it allowed us to have some powerful discussions.
I read this with my 13 year old daughter (we love Rex Ogle!) and we both loved it and it allowed us to have some powerful discussions.
July 27, 2025
Incredible. So many students love Long Way Down and ask for read-a-likes. I think this is a perfect suggestion and will definitely get kids talking. The verse style makes it approachable (and sellable) and the subject matter will pique their interest.
Ultimately, had to pass on this book for my middle school due to content, but wholeheartedly recommend for all high school libraries. I am always blown away by Rex Ogle.
Ultimately, had to pass on this book for my middle school due to content, but wholeheartedly recommend for all high school libraries. I am always blown away by Rex Ogle.
May 20, 2025
such a sad, and heart wrenching story about the fine line between family and friends and what you're willing to do for either one
the poetry set up also made this go by so quickly
️ ♥️Benny️ ♥️
the poetry set up also made this go by so quickly
️ ♥️Benny️ ♥️
March 19, 2025
This book was just amazing. Lawson and Benny reminded me of Dallas Winston and Ponyboy Curtis from The Outsiders and coming from me, that’s a HIGH compliment. I felt so attached to both boys. I loved how the book showed the ups and downs of teenage friendship, especially between people going down different paths. I knew from the beginning that the ending was going to break my heart and even still, I was NOT PREPARED. I highly recommend this book for fans of complex friendships and novels in verse.
CW: alcoholism, drug use, gun violence, underage drinking, violence
Thank you to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for the digital readers copy!
CW: alcoholism, drug use, gun violence, underage drinking, violence
Thank you to NetGalley and Norton Young Readers for the digital readers copy!
February 17, 2025
Rex Ogle writes such heartfelt, important work, and this YA story in verse is no exception. This was such a push and pull of the connection between friends who consider themselves brothers, and the division that drugs, addiction and pain can bring. I was swept up in the drive of Diego (Benny) to stay clean and graduate high school at the top of his class. He continuously read classic books with tragic narratives such as Candide, A Clockwork Orange, and more. Each book seeming to parallel the tragedy of Lawson's downward spiral.
The pain and consequences continue to spill over into Diego's friends and family, as well as Lawson's girlfriend's lives until they culminate in tragedy. This book wrecked me, with allegorical writing that will keep me thinking about it long after I have finished.
I highly recommend this book for high schools and libraries.
The pain and consequences continue to spill over into Diego's friends and family, as well as Lawson's girlfriend's lives until they culminate in tragedy. This book wrecked me, with allegorical writing that will keep me thinking about it long after I have finished.
I highly recommend this book for high schools and libraries.
April 18, 2025
excuse me???
June 17, 2025
Very quick read, but it’ll hit the feels
November 5, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA book that hasn’t been of the fantasy genre, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When We Ride is a brief and beautiful journey looking at the complexities of unhealthy friendships and class imbalances in a coming of age story. Following our protagonist Diego, the story looks at how he is unwillingly thrust into a world of drugs and violence by his best friend Lawson. It poses some very interesting concepts of loyalty and if you can ever save someone who doesn’t want to save themself, as Diego gets dragged deeper and deeper whilst trying to save Lawson from drowning.
Told in free verse, the writing style was not one that I am accustomed to, but I found it surprisingly easy to sink into, even if at times the rhythm caused it to feel vaguely melodramatic, although for the most part it remained very grounded.
An important novel about difficult circumstances leading to difficult choices, When We Ride is an important and well crafted story for teenage readers.
When We Ride is a brief and beautiful journey looking at the complexities of unhealthy friendships and class imbalances in a coming of age story. Following our protagonist Diego, the story looks at how he is unwillingly thrust into a world of drugs and violence by his best friend Lawson. It poses some very interesting concepts of loyalty and if you can ever save someone who doesn’t want to save themself, as Diego gets dragged deeper and deeper whilst trying to save Lawson from drowning.
Told in free verse, the writing style was not one that I am accustomed to, but I found it surprisingly easy to sink into, even if at times the rhythm caused it to feel vaguely melodramatic, although for the most part it remained very grounded.
An important novel about difficult circumstances leading to difficult choices, When We Ride is an important and well crafted story for teenage readers.
August 7, 2025
5 ⭐ (Masterpiece)
I am not quite sure why, but stories about friendship have always been my all time favorite. I've gotten recommendations about books that are about friends; some have been good, and most have completely missed the point. This is a book about friendship. Friendship on the strongest level. Ride or die friendship. And I absolutely loved it!
Not very long, audio clocked in around 3 hours, but better than most books that are dragged out through constant unnecessary exposition. I pretty much enjoyed every second of this book and if it isn't my favorite book of the year, then it's top 2 for sure. The only thing that comes close so far is Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Even though the ending might turn some people off, I still highly recommend this book. Not only is it amazing, but it won't take too much of your time either.
Audio narration? Also completely top tier. Seriously, so good.
I am not quite sure why, but stories about friendship have always been my all time favorite. I've gotten recommendations about books that are about friends; some have been good, and most have completely missed the point. This is a book about friendship. Friendship on the strongest level. Ride or die friendship. And I absolutely loved it!
Not very long, audio clocked in around 3 hours, but better than most books that are dragged out through constant unnecessary exposition. I pretty much enjoyed every second of this book and if it isn't my favorite book of the year, then it's top 2 for sure. The only thing that comes close so far is Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Even though the ending might turn some people off, I still highly recommend this book. Not only is it amazing, but it won't take too much of your time either.
Audio narration? Also completely top tier. Seriously, so good.
July 14, 2025
This book is so good. When We Ride is another version of Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds. I loved Long Way Down, but When We Ride seems like a read that would be better suited for mid to older high school students. I can see my tenth graders loving this one — boys and girls alike. It has similar themes to books that have been on their reading choice lists in the past. When We Ride is a story about so many things — friendship, drug addiction, single-parent families, first-generation students. Get this in the hands of your students.
November 18, 2025
A novel in verse - I’ve never even considered such a thing! Super creative, so fun to read. He plays with the verse structure to add emphasis on words that would certainly be lost in regular prose, it’s almost like someone rapping slightly off beat (which I absolutely love).
The story itself is good, but not special. And after I read the book I saw it’s a YA novel 🙄 which I hate. Still, I enjoyed my time with it (<2 hrs start to finish) and would recommend it to someone looking for a new approach.
The story itself is good, but not special. And after I read the book I saw it’s a YA novel 🙄 which I hate. Still, I enjoyed my time with it (<2 hrs start to finish) and would recommend it to someone looking for a new approach.
September 30, 2025
When We Ride by @thirdrex and truly, what a ride indeed. I absolutely loved this story of Benny (Diego) and Lawson, and their friendship. I loved how everything wasn’t black and white for them, there were immense shades of gray. Their friendship went through so much. That ending had me absolutely reeling and @ramondeocampo narrated it beautifully. Incredible story and Rex Ogle continues to be a favorite writer.
March 27, 2025
So insanely heartfelt and raw. At no point did I know what was going to happen, and when the gut punch happened in the last 4% came I could not stop crying. Rex Ogle is one of the great writers of our generation, and his novels tell real stories that tell about real problems that our youth face today. I feel that every youth needs to read at least one of his novels, and if they do it should be this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
I LOVE Rex Ogle! His books should be read by teens & adults- he brings so much authenticity to his stories & characters. In a stunning novel in verse teen Diego works hard to please his mother by getting a good education, holding down a job he hates & using his car to give best friend & next door neighbor a ride—Lawson is a drug dealer. Lawson has an alcoholic mother & considers Diego his brother - but he does not make it easy. This is a must read, it broke my heart!
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