The Benefits of Being an Octopus Hardcover – September 4, 2018

Ann Braden’s writing is captivating. There were so many beautiful lines that had me grabbing my phone so I could snap a picture of them. While I never lived in a situation as dire as Zoey's, I felt a connection to her because I remember thinking that all the other kids at my school were better than me because their families had more money. This thought plagued me from elementary school all the way through college. It's hard to add to a conversation when you think your opinion is insignificant.Zoey has way more responsibility than anyone her age should ever have, and reading about her made my heart ache for all the students I have known who live just like her. I was so invested in her character that I felt my blood pressure rising when her mom chooses her boyfriend over Zoey.I think this book should be in the hands of any child that lives in poverty so they can see that their voice is important and their opinions matter. One of Zoey's friends is villainized because he is quiet, wears camo, and likes to hunt with guns; I think that many boys who live in rural areas might connect with his character. One chapter includes a shooting in the school parking lot; while no one is injured, I think in today's society that students younger than 5th grade might be frightened by that aspect. This book certainly needs to be in every middle school library.

"That's one of the things about the people on that beautiful tropical island: they can't see who's floating about in the ocean around them. Or maybe they can and they just choose not to look. I don't know.I've never been there".Seventh grader Zoey Albro needs more hands, like the great octopus she so greatly admires. Going to school, helping her mom, and taking care of her three younger siblings is a lot of work for a girl her age. There's so much she'd love to do for herself, like her homework, but there's no time to stop or to slow down. As Zoey explains, "Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys.Some people have other things they've got to do". But with the unexpected help of a persistent and caring teacher, Zoey learns how to find her voice and to make choices that will change not only her life but the lives of those she cares for most around her as well.This was a nice change up from what I've been reading recently. It's a middle grade book and the title is what caught my eye. I felt a true tug on my heart strings as I read this and I understand why so many people are raving about this in my book groups for kids. This read tackles serious issues such as bullying, domestic abuse, and gun laws. I really enjoyed the writing of the novel. I found myself laughing at some points and almost crying at others. This is an excellent read for people of all ages and walks of life and I'm so glad I took the time to read it. Solid 5 🌟"Sometimes if you don't have a jacket and you're sitting next to someone who does, you feel colder. But sometimes, if the right person is wearing it, you feel warmer"."I think that sometimes you need to have your back up against the wall to find out what you're made of...".

As a 6th grade ELA teacher, I’m always on the hunt for new books with stories my students can relate too. This one fits the bill! Filled with emotions and struggles, the main character won me over!

Good

As a middle school librarian in a title I school I am always looking for books where my students can see themselves in the characters. This is definitely a powerful title that I will book talk and feature on the shelves. It's a story of poverty, the gun debate, emotional abuse, bullying, and gaining confidence with lessons that are inferred rather than blasted in your face.Zoey lives with her mom, stepdad, his dad, and her three siblings in a trailer park. Her real dad is long gone, as well as two of her siblings' dad. They live paycheck to paycheck barely making ends meet. School should be a refuge, but it's not. She often does not have the resources to do her schoolwork. Her clothes are not always clean. However, she does have a good friend, Fuschia.Zoey's favorite living creature is the octopus. Throughout the book, the octopus plays a role in helping her cope. A teacher plays a hand in helping Zoey by getting her involved in the debate club. Zoey finds her voice.This book will stick with you long after you're done. I will be recommending it to adults as well as teens. Adults need their eyes opened to the realities of poverty. Empathy is on every page. I can't wait to see Ann Braden's next book.Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I immediately pre-ordered it as soon as I read the last page. This book is already on the shelf at my middle school library.

This story needs to be in the world. I have never met a character like Zoey, and yet I have known many students like her. This is an encouraging, honest book that makes you want to see with more compassion. As a teacher, it made me wonder what I can do to help students like Zoey. I hope it will lead my students to think differently about the kids in school who don't have their homework done or don't have clean clothes to wear. This book also touches on verbal/physical abuse and gun violence in a careful way. Zoey's connection to an octopus adds an interesting theme throughout the book. This is a must for middle school shelves. #LitReviewCrew

Loved this book! Great read for 13- up. It touches on a lot of heavy topics without being too graphic so it’s good for a classroom read where students can talk comfortably about hard issues (poverty, stereotypes, violence, domestic abuse, etc.). It allows the reader to empathize and internalize the fears of the main character and also cheer for her to want better for herself and her family. It leads to hope.

Se compró para la escuela que así lo pidió, el libro llegó en tiempo y forma.

This book treats themes of poverty and a lack of self-confidence (also emotional abuse, but not of the child) with a deft hand. The sibling relationships are particularly well-done. I felt the debate club wasn't tied in to the rest quite as deeply as I'd have liked, but otherwise it was an excellent read. Highly recommended.