When We Ride

Let's be real, how far would you go for your best friend? It’s a question that’s easy to answer until you’re tested.

Meet Diego Benevides. He’s a good kid, working hard, laser-focused on getting into college and leaving his rough neighborhood behind. His single mom even gave him her car to help him stay on that straight and narrow path. That car isn’t just a car; it’s his ticket out.

But here’s the catch: his best friend, Lawson, needs a ride. And Lawson’s side hustle is dealing. Diego draws a line for himself. He’s just the driver. He’s not carrying, not selling. Plus, it’s just weed. What’s the harm, right?

Yeah, you can probably see where this is going. "Just weed" quickly turns into powder, pills, and way more dangerous stuff. Suddenly, the simple favor isn't so simple anymore. The friendship that felt rock-solid starts to crack under the pressure, and soon, both their lives are on the line. That clear line Diego drew between driver and dealer gets real blurry, real fast. Everything he's worked for—his future, his mother's dreams for him—is about to go up in smoke.

This whole story is told as a novel-in-verse by the incredible Rex Ogle. The format makes every moment feel urgent, like your heart is pounding along with the story. It’s a raw, propulsive, and unforgettable look at loyalty and the devastating price it can sometimes demand. It makes you ask yourself what you would do if you were in Diego's shoes.