The Reader's Heart | Guest: Rex Ogle Returns!

Can books written for young people help boys navigate a world that often sends them conflicting messages about masculinity?

In this episode, Jennifer chats with Rex Ogle about writing stories that make room for empathy, vulnerability, and hope. Together, they explore When We Ride, the ways poverty shapes opportunity, and why compassion matters when telling stories about young people whose lives are often misunderstood. They also discuss the messages boys receive about reading and the role children's literature can play in helping kids navigate a complicated world.

Show notes, episode transcripts, educator activities, and other goodies can be found here.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Toxic Masculinity, Boys Reading, and Welcome to The Reader's Heart

• 02:22 – Returning to The Reader's Heart and the Story Behind When We Ride

• 06:01 – Growing Up Poor and Dreaming Bigger

• 10:37 – Letting Characters Lead the Way

• 14:15 – Book Characters, Like People, Are More Than One Thing

• 16:58 – The Messages Boys Receive About Reading

• 23:29 – Stories Help Us Navigate a Complicated World

• 29:37 – The Stories Still Waiting to Be Written

• 35:52 – Looking Ahead + Closing Credits