 |
Reviewed by: Emily McFarlane, Elementary School Librarian Title: Four Eyes Author: Rex Ogle Publisher: Graphix
Year: 2023 Good for Grades: 5-8 Genre/Type of Book: Memoir Graphic Novel
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Bullying, Mom references a "birds and bees talk," spells out "s-e" but cuts off. Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Seeking more diverse books, glasses representation If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Surviving sixth grade has never been easy, but add bullies, family struggles, and now glasses into the mix? Ay caramba! |
Review:
Summer is ending and Rex is excited to start sixth grade. What could go wrong? As it turns out, everything. His family is struggling to make ends meet, his best friend decides to hang out with the popular bully, everyone he knew from elementary school ended up at a different middle school, he's the only kid who hasn't had a growth spurt, and to top it off? He now needs glasses. Rex is really struggling with fitting in and understanding how to navigate his changing life, while resenting his new need for glasses. Over time, will he find a way to fit in, or will he stop worrying about everyone else?
This was a memoir of Rex Ogle's experiences with middle school, and it mirrors a lot of the same experiences kids are going through now while they try to find their way, fit in, and figure out who their real friends are. It also paints a very real picture of what it is like to find out you need glasses, and the acceptance process you have to go through as a kid to get your first pair of glasses at a somewhat later age. The process of growing apart from friends we had for many years is illustrated very well, and the finding of new friends who accept you and enjoy the same things is highlighted. There is a good spread of characters that Rex interacts with, and he is from a mixed *and* blended family. His Abuela is from Mexico, so his mother, himself, and his little half brother are Hispanic, and his step-father is white. We never meet Rex's biological father, and he has a rocky relationship with him which is a realistic view of some divorced families. The novel focuses mainly on Rex' relationship to his new glasses and the struggles with bullying, making this a great book for self-acceptance, confidence, and how to navigate peer relationships. It would be great in SEL lessons around these topics, as well as perspective taking, gratitude, etc. (Rex gets a lesson in gratitude from his Abuela towards the end.)
I liked the diverse range of characters included, and that Rex's family felt very authentic. They were supportive, but still had struggles and emotional issues like any family. Rex also wasn't a picture-perfect hero- he got mad and made mistakes, and so did his mom. She also explained her feelings/thinking and owned up to her mistakes when she needed to, which was good to see. Adults don't often apologize to kids in real life, but taking accountability is important for everyone and this sets a good example.
Number of party hats:
Find this video and more about Four Eyes on Teachingbooks.net
For more information about this book, see the Publishers Website
Find this title in your BOCES SORA Collection: