Four Eyes

Rex’s mother, Carmen, and his stepfather, Sam, are key figures in his life. Both work hard, but their jobs don’t pay adequate wages, so they must often work overtime. As Rex begins sixth grade, it’s clear that he rejects Sam as a father figure because when Sam suggests that Rex call him Dad, Rex declines. Likewise, Rex seems irritated by his half-brother, Ford, because Ford represents something to do with Sam and thus the absence of Rex’s biological father. Over time, Rex learns that accepting his family for who they are and what they can do is the mark of a more mature person. Sam remains patient with Rex and doesn’t take anything he says personally; instead, he gives him as much time as he needs to come around to the idea of seeing him as a dad.

Rex’s mother works waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant, and she must often work late, leaving Rex to take care of his brother. Despite how hard she works, there often isn’t enough, and she isn’t able to afford the glasses Rex wants. She’s often exhausted and feels guilty when her own mother tries to help the family. Rex sees it as somehow his mother’s fault that the family isn’t more wealthy, and he often starts arguments with her over it. When Rex’s mother explains, “We barely earn enough to make ends meet. I wish I could buy you the world, but I can’t” (55), Rex suddenly feels guilty and it starts to dawn on him that his mother already does too much. Rex’s mother often tries to reach out to him emotionally as well, particularly in regard to bullying at school, but Rex refuses to talk about it. She has an antagonistic relationship with Rex’s father and is still angry at him for leaving the family, which contributes to Rex’s own feelings of neglect.

As the year goes on, Rex matures and starts learning to appreciate what his parents do for him. He starts to see Sam in a new light and realizes that Sam is a much better father figure than his own father is. Likewise, Rex lets go of his embarrassment over his mother’s work after his abuela explains that honest work is something to be proud of. Rex ultimately thanks his mother for everything she does and starts calling Sam “Pops.” Carmen even finds a way to get Rex the money for his school trip and the pair of glasses he always wanted.

Rex’s rambunctious and rowdy younger brother, Ford is technically Rex’s half-brother, which Rex makes clear in the beginning but is told, “Sometimes you have to let go of logic and think with your heart” (9). Ford looks up to his brother and sees him as the greatest person in the world. He’s always waiting for Rex to get home so they can play together. When Rex first begins middle school, Ford has to wait weeks for Rex to feel like playing with him again. Rex comes home each day exhausted and irritated, and he wants nothing to do with his brother.

When Ford picks up a knife one day and throws it, Rex comes to the harsh realization that he’s losing his vision and can no longer keep himself or his brother safe. Later, Ford comforts him when Rex is upset about his father’s dismissive attitude toward him. Ford wants his own pair of glasses, so Rex makes him a pair. Upon hearing from his mother that glasses “remind [Ford] of his favorite person in the whole world: his big brother” (210), Rex starts to understand just how much Ford loves him. While he used to take this for granted, he now feels grateful to have a brother who looks up to him and supports him, even at such a young age. When Rex meets Scott, he finally starts to feel like himself again and happily plays with Ford.

Rex’s new friend at school, Scott, is an important figure because of his perspective on the importance of standing up to bullies, which thematically exemplifies rising above negative judgment. Scott and Rex have a lot in common, including their interests and the fact that they both need corrective lenses to see. Scott’s calm and cool demeanor sets a good example for Rex, who is used to feeling tense and worried. Both boys love comics, superheroes, and sci-fi, so they have a lot to talk about. They relate over these shared passions, and Rex doesn’t have to feel embarrassed or alone anymore. Scott wore glasses when school began, which is part of the reason he became the initial target of Victor’s antagonism, and although Scott later got contacts, he learned how to stand up to Victor by acting as confident as possible. Scott urges Rex to do the same, but it takes time for Rex to find his courage. Once he does, he’s free of Victor’s harassment, and Rex and Scott end the year as best friends.

Rex’s abuela is a key figure in his life, because she’s a source of unconditional love, reason, and wisdom. She’s always ready with new clothes, food, and toys for the boys, not because she’s trying to spite Rex’s mother, but because she loves them and wants to help. Nevertheless, Rex’s mother initially takes offense to her help, which causes tension between them, but Rex’s abuela always reacts with patience and understanding. When Rex’s mother gets angry at her over dinner for bringing up Rex’s glasses and storms off, Rex and his abuela talk.

When she tells Rex about her memories of her childhood, the illustration style shifts and the tone darkens. Abuela talks about her experiences growing up in a home with dirt floors, many siblings, and little to eat. This gives Rex perspective and pushes him toward learning to be thankful: “You may not have a lot, but you have what you need” (180). Rex learns to be grateful for the people who work hard to do what they can for him, which means he’s also beginning to appreciate his blended family.

The antagonist in the memoir, Victor constantly bullies Rex and others at school. While Rex experiences bullying from several peers, Victor is the one who most goes out of his way to harass and mock Rex. Unfortunately, Drew befriends Victor on the first day, wanting to become popular and make a good impression. When Victor starts making fun of a boy with glasses (Scott), Drew fakes laughter and urges Rex to do the same. However, Rex isn’t interested in bullying others, and as soon as Victor senses this, he goes after Rex, too. He bothers Rex about eating cafeteria food, throws food at him, and mocks him for liking science fiction. Victor also teases Rex about his glasses when he gets them and tells everyone at school that Rex’s mother asked him to be nice to Rex. Rex eventually finds the courage to stand up to Victor, which thematically exemplifies rising above negative judgment, and no longer allows Victor to control how he feels about himself or school: “You and me—we’re not friends. We were never friends. So all your opinions and thoughts and jerk remarks? You can shove ‘em” (190).

When Rex was five, his father divorced his mother and since then he hasn’t been a part of Rex’s life except to occasionally call or send money. Rex’s father often doesn’t answer the phone when Rex calls, and Rex’s mother accuses him of prioritizing his “new family” over his son. In addition, Rex’s father makes disparaging remarks about Rex, insulting Rex under the guise of trying to help him. He tells Rex he’s too short and that he’s the only one in the Ogle family who needs glasses, and when Rex calls asking for money for a second pair of glasses, his father implies that Rex is more of an obligation than a son to him. Rex eventually stands up to his father, telling him, “If you want to be my father, then start acting like it!” (143). Rex’s father eventually pays for the glasses Rex wants, but Rex starts to see that Sam is a better dad than his own father, and his perspective on his relationship with his biological father changes forever.