I just finished reading a NetGalley ARC of The Benefits of Being an Octopus, by Ann Braden, and my emotions are running high. The main character Zoey is one of the marginalized members of our society - her family is living far below the poverty line. She gives incredible voice to her story, although she is reluctant to use that voice. She has been looked down on for so long that she doesn’t believe she has anything to contribute - that is, until an assignment, and a teacher, help to bring out her opinions and her voice. Zoey begins to see her world in a different way, and believe in herself enough to stand up and speak up.I really felt that I could see the world through Zoey’s eyes, and feel her “awakening” from her acceptance of a bad situation to her determination to change her life. The metaphor of the octopus is woven throughout the story so beautifully, and is so significant in understanding how Zoey sees herself. I won’t spoil the storyline, but it is intensely emotional and gripping, bringing me to tears many times. This is a book I will buy and read again, and recommend over and over. I want every teacher I know to read it, and students age 10 and up. This book is full of heart, an empathy-builder, an eye-opener, a world-changer.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden tells a realistic story of Zoey, a seventh grade student. She deals with typical struggles of fitting in at school while doing more than her share of the raising of her siblings. Readers will love the teacher who helps her find her inner confidence as Zoey realizes, “Nobody has ever connected me with being important.” This one teacher makes a difference in her life and she is able to confront the issues head-on. An important story!

Excellent book. Readers will be quickly drawn into the lives of the characters. Zoey, her family, and their struggles are portrayed with compassion and honesty. This book will spark meaningful discussions about poverty and abuse in an age-appropriate way.

Zoey would like to be a good student in seventh grade, but for now, she's just trying not to draw attention to herself. She likes to do her homework, but she is constantly sabotaged by her living arrangements. Her mother has moved Zoey and her younger siblings into her boyfriend Lenny's trailer, which has some advantages. It's clean, there's usually food, and they can use his car occasionally. On the down side, Lenny doesn't really want to see or hear the kids, and he is very controlling of what Zoey's mom does. Zoey also has to make sure she is home to get her two siblings from school, and pick up her youngest from her mother's work at a local pizza parlor. When she does get her homework done, it often doesn't get to school with her. When the assignment is a debate on what animal is best, Zoey knows she'll do well because she has done a lot of background reading on the octopus. Not only does she forget her notes, but she is leery of speaking in front of the class. If she were like Matt, who rides her bus and seems to have the perfect life, it might be different. Her best friend, Fuschia, can be helpful, but there are some serious issues that Fuschia is facing with her mother's boyfriend. When her teacher tries to find out why Zoey isn't getting in her work, she offers her a way to a better grade-- participate in the debate club. While this involves some juggling to get care for her siblings, Zoey is excited to be able to use her knowledge, and also hang out with Matt. Through the debate team, she starts to see how Lenny is manipulating her mom, and how their situation isn't as good as she previously thought. Eventually, Zoey talks her mother into leaving Lenny's trailer and moving in with Fuschia's mother so that the two families have support without abuse.

Strengths: Reading about the ordinary, every day life of people whose situations were different from my own was always my favorite thing to read, and my students enjoy it, too. Zoey has a lot of responsibility for sibling care, food, and even doing paperwork for her mother, and this also has a lot of appeal to students who sometimes are not even allowed to bike to school. Zoey is realistically portrayed as wanting to be a good student but struggling to find the means necessary to accomplish this. While it is a somewhat sad book, it is hopeful, and Zoey works very hard to improve her own life. This was sort of a millenial version of Warner's The Boxcar Children. My grandparents lived in a trailer park towards the end of their lives, and I can certainly identify more with this experience than that of children with a nanny in NYC, although that sort of books are more windows than mirrors for me. Braden's note at the end of the book about wanting to write so that all children can see themselves portrayed in literature is appreciated.
Weaknesses: The cover will make this a hard sell, and the steps look more like ones that would go up to a house than a trailer.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and handing out as a follow up read to Walker's Why Can't I Be You.

The octopus theme is what initially made me interested in this novel by Ann Braden and I think that aspect of the book was done really well. Zoey's way of using the creature as a source of strength is absolutely wonderful. The story gives a pretty realistic view of what it is like growing up poor and in an abusive situation...until the ending. It wasn't done nearly as bad as many others have done in the past (ex: omg just leave, so easy, now life is perfect), but the way Zoey and her family escapes is a one in a million scenario. I would not be as bothered by it if at the end of the book the author had not mentioned part of the reason for writing The Benefits of Being an Octopus was so that kids in similar situations could see themselves in books.
Don't get me wrong, hope is a wonderful thing to have, but endings like the one in this story can lead to false hope, which can be dangerous in these situations. It also leaves things in a place that feels like things are going to go in a better direction...but the realist in me (or perhaps the cynic) could not help but ponder on the new problems Zoey, her friend and her family will now face. The likihood that DHS is not going to end up involved is very slim. The likihood that those kids are going to be allowed to stay in the small living space...very slim.
Outside of that little rant (sorry about that), The Benefits of Being an Octopus is actually a very good book and while I have spent the majority of the review/rant on the poverty/abuse aspects, it touches on several other very important issues like gun control (in a way that actually kind of challenged my feelings on the subject) and bullying as well.

*I received a digital ARC of this book from Sky Pony Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book tells a solid, age appropriate story of poverty and the multiple forms that abuse can manifest. It was lovely to read the story of the main character finding her own confidence and determination to forge her own path and I loved the use of the octopus metaphor.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So... I definitely did not expect to like this middle grade book as much as I did.

It was adorable, and thoughtful, and happily entirely escaped the plague of reading like an after school special. I squirmed and hurt along with Zoey instead of feeling sorry for her or feeling like I was watching her life from the outside. An uplifting read, and especially important for privileged middle school students to be able to see a world outside their own in an way that gives the people/characters agency.

Question, though - not really a spoiler, but just in case - [ Does Bryce have autism? The whole thing about his meltdowns and handing him rocks... it's not described explicitly, but I wondered.

This is a story about Zoey, a young girl living in poverty, whose teacher at school helps her to work up the courage to make change in her life, to remove herself from the types of problems these situations bring, including lack of good food and clean clothes, domestic violence, social isolation, drug use, foster homes, gender inequality, bullying, and her mothers reliance on her help to care for family members at a young age.

I feel that although the story launched straight into it, which caught me off guard, overall, this story was beautifully written, Zoey comparing herself to an octopus, and cleverly using the involvement with debating at school to give her insight into what is wrong at home, and with the way people are treated by different classes.

I was of the opinion this was a story for middle grade readers, but I personally would not recommend it to this age group, as it dives into some topics that not all parents would be happy having their child exposed to. In saying that, what makes this book so good, is that these are real problems that kids (and others) face in their lives, and rather than bury our heads in the sand and pretend they don't exist, it is story to opens our eyes to this type of life.

This is a great book, but I would recommend it for older teens and above, however parents should read this prior to determine if they feel the content is appropriate for their children.

There seems to have been a recent surge of quality when it comes to middle grade literature (see: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Aru Shah</span> &amp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Breakout</span>), and let me tell you: I am here for it. Middle grade books have all of the drama and intense subject matter of young adult literature, but none of the romantic entanglements. There is rarely, if ever, any sort of romance in middle grade literature, and if there is it's simply a crush or a chaste first kiss. This tends to make the plots of middle grade move quicker, and leaves them more room to get their message across.

When I requested <span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Benefits of Being an Octopus</span> on NetGalley, I was figuring I'd get something about strained family dynamics and puberty. I had no idea what I was actually getting myself into, and it was something that will stick with me for a while to come.

<strong>Rating: </strong><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-475" src="http://bookishgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/5cat-rating-1.png" alt="" width="263" height="50" />
<h2>How I'd Describe This Book to a Friend</h2>
Zoey is a seventh grader, and if any book character can remind me of what it's like to be in middle school, it's Zoey. We feel her tension in the classroom, with the boy she has a crush on who rides her school bus. We see her hatred for speaking up in class, her disdain for the popular girls. But there is something different about Zoey that we never see in other literature: Zoey is poor.

We meet Zoey when she and her family are in flux - they are living with her mother's latest boyfriend Lenny, sharing a cramped trailer between Lenny, his father, Zoey, her mom, and her three younger siblings (infant Hector, preschoolers Bryce and Aurora). Her mother works part time at the local pizza place, and they scrape by just enough day after day - but they have a roof over their head, and so Zoey doesn't mind shoplifting cans of Easy Cheese from the local convenience store to keep her siblings occupied. She is their sole caretaker for most of their day, and she must keep them quiet so they don't bother Lenny or his dad. This means that homework and school are not a priority. In fact, Zoey just doesn't do it - she doesn't have time. But her lifelong passion for the octopus - an animal that I have learned so much about through Zoey's eyes! - leads her to fill out an assignment packet for once, to participate in a debate about what the superior animal is. And that little packet will change everything.
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
There are so many hot-button topics in this story, and they are wound seamlessly here through the eyes of a twelve year old. We see poverty, child neglect and abuse, the failed foster system. There is a subplot about gun control that I honestly cannot applaud the author for enough - I myself am fairly anti-gun, and I found myself agreeing with some characters in the book who felt the same way as I did. But when Zoey started thinking about all the reasons they've helped her and her friends - people who rely on hunting, her neighbor Silas whose father hunts to make ends meet and put food on the table - it made me question my own belief systems as a 29 year old woman. This is not easy to do.

I absolutely adored Zoey. I saw her mother's quiet strength and dignity, the way she fell apart when she thought no one was looking and how she had to be strong for her children - how she always put them first, without fail. We see how growing up around anger affects children - little Bryce, who becomes stoic and withdrawn and just wants to fight everyone. We see Zoey's best friend Fuschia, a byproduct of a failed foster system who is now stuck with her mother she hates and her mom's boyfriend who is downright dangerous. And perhaps most influential of all, Zoey's Social Studies teacher, who won't let her fade into the backdrop. We meet all of these truly unique characters who are flawed, but not failing. And that's an important distinction.

Zoey draws parallels constantly between herself and an octopus - she yearns to have more arms, to wrangle her siblings. She utilizes her octopus camouflage to blend in when she feels uncomfortable. And as odd as that might sound, let me tell you it <em>works</em>, and it works well. I am absolutely captivated by Zoey's story, her family's journey, and the love that surrounds her. If you work with students or kids, please pick this book up - honestly, you should pick it up no matter what. I promise you won't regret it. Middle grade literature has set the bar very high for me in 2018, and I couldn't be more pleased.

<blockquote>“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.”</blockquote>

*I was given a review copy from the author and publisher. My opinions are my own*
Ann Braden has written the story of many children. This is a story that not only needs to be read by students, but also by teachers. Zoey is a teenage girl living in a trailer park with her Mom, her Mom's boyfriend, the owner of the trailer and her three siblings. Life isn't easy taking care of your siblings, keeping the away from certain people and balancing school life at the same time. Sometimes it takes one adult that actually sees you to help you get through and sometimes you just have to rely on your own gut to do what is right and speak up when it's time to speak up.
This story will stick with me long after putting it back on the shelf and it will be one that I revisit often. The voices of Zoey, Silas and Fuchsia are underrepresented on our bookshelves. Their stories need to be told. My hope is that Ann Braden continues to write books and fills them with all the Things That Need To Be Said.
Hands down, a must read for educators and a necessary addition to our classrooms and libraries.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC copy of this book!

This is a beautiful book. I was a little surprised at how powerful it was; usually it takes me a few chapters before I start empathizing with the characters I'm reading, but for this book it was from page 1. Braden's characters are so honest and real, and relatable even though I have never been in a situation like they are in.

My biggest issue with the book was the topic they picked for debate. It almost feels too soon, and it took me out of the story a bit. That being said, though, it made sense for the plot and was necessary for much of the character development that took place (which is really to say, it wasn't gratuitous, which I appreciated even if I didn't agree with it).

Overall, it was an excellent book that tackled tough topics in a way that was easily understandable for middle graders.

It was raining all day today and that was perfect for me because I finished this book in almost one sitting.

I was drawn in by the cover and immediately liked the main character Zoey a lot. I’m always happy to read books about strong willed young adult girls. And the influence of a good role model. And kindness. So inspiring!

I also love that the author finishes her acknowledgements with this: “To the young people who are speaking up for what’s right, even when it’s hard … You are heroes.” so true!!

This was a great book and I enjoyed reading it! Thank you to Net Galley and Skyhorse publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book.

Really good read. The image of Zoey carrying a baby and a toddler on her 7th grade hips will stick with me for a long time. Full review on Goodreads.

I will be recommending this book to every teacher in my district. We often think we know what is happening under the surface of our students, but it is spelled out so clearly in this book. As teachers, we need to remember our students are people first and need us to show them their own strength. This story also opens conversations about domestic violence and how subtle it can be when it isn't physical violence.

Let me preface this review by saying I solely read this book because it had “octopus” in the title. Seriously, I didn’t read the description, I didn’t look up the author…I just dove in because …. octopus.



It’s a thing…me and octopuses. Yes, octopuses.



My dad was a scuba diver and we shared a love for all things octopus. My collection is more extensive than my tattoos.

Now…this book. The Benefits of Being an Octopus is a middle grade book – a book I normally have no business reading. Except that now I’m looking for new books for my daughter to read. And maybe in a year or two she’ll be ready for this.

“Sometimes you just need something solid that fits entirely in your hand.” Probably my favorite quote in this book…this one sentence holds so much depth. Especially for a story about an awkward seventh grade girl who is juggling taking care of her three younger siblings, trying not to be noticed at school, and being part of a debate club she has zero interest in.

“Octopuses have three hearts and all of mine are broken.” This. I will warn you that if you have strong feelings about gun laws this may not be the book for you. While it isn’t the center of the book, it still holds a place within the story. For me, I absolutely love the direction it went. I appreciate Ann Braden’s attempt at showing another side to a hot button topic.

“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.” All. The. Feels. There are some amazing quotes in this story and so much to be taken away from it. It’s possible that I could read this story several times and take away something new each time. I truly believe middle grade children can benefit from reading a book about speaking out, even when it’s scary or difficult.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this book. Gives great perspective on what some of our students are going through. I will be rethinking how I handle homework in the future, as well as how I can better encourage my students.

Zoey is a gem of a character, revealing her depth in the way she faces adversity in her seventh grade year. Living in a trailer with her three younger siblings and mother's boyfriend- she is overwhelmed by the responsibilities at home to keep the family together. This novel explores tough themes: domestic and gun violence, poverty and verbal abuse. This is all done with such tact, I wouldn't hesitate to share this with middle grade readers.
The octopus metaphor was beautifully done throughout the book- and is represented in a stunning way on the cover. I love how the octopus is an extension of her... the part of her that in "unseen"... underneath the surface. Brilliant.
"My very own octopus tattoo. With strong tentacles lined with suckers and an unblinking eye that stares everyone else down. Because this is my moment when everything is suddenly clear. I'm not going to be like my mom. I'm not going to let anybody mess with me. When an octopus sends up its spray of ink, it means business. It's going to throw off the predator- and then it's going to escape. And nobody's a better escape artist than an octopus."

When a teacher takes notice of Zoey and convinces her to become a part of the debate team, everything changes. Zoey's "octopus" is becoming more visible. She is beginning to come out of hiding and take a stand, even when her mother cannot.
We know how important it is for our students to see themselves in the stories they read. I found it empowering to follow Zoey through all the rough patches and succeed in spite of her socioeconomic status. We need diverse books. This one is a must. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus is a well-written, engaging tale that will allow students of lower socioeconomic status to see themselves represented in literature. It will provide them a story of hope and perseverance and I would therefore recommend it to students.

I was immediately drawn to this book because of the cover. It's simple, yet colorful and aesthetic, and it fits the vibe of the story very well!

The Benefits of Being an Octopus follows Zoey, a seventh grader who doesn't have time to deal with crushes or even homework. She's too busy taking care of her younger siblings while her family barely scrapes by. But one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club, and Zoey can't stop thinking how much easier life would be if she was an octopus with eight arms and the ability camouflage. Surprisingly, joining the debate club helps Zoey see things in a different light and with everything going on at home, at school, and with Zoey's best friend Fuchsia, that's exactly what she needs.

This was quite a quick read and the writing style was very engaging. The narration was authentic and it really sounded like everything was from a seventh grader's perspective. Although I understand that the age factored in, I personally still felt a little frustrated at the simple terms the narrator thought in, even towards the end.

Another frustration factor was regarding character development. It was definitely there, but it didn't quite pick-up until the 70% mark, and waiting for it was quite a task. I think the author captured the binary thinking of younger students very well; in fact, I really loved how I could truly empathize with the main character, even though I may disagree with them. This book really made me look at people beyond their arguments, and it points out that what's frustrating about politics aren't the people on the other side, it's close-mindedness by anyone and often, everyone.

Regarding the rest of the characters, I'm not sure I felt as much love for them as I could have. I think that some of them could have been fleshed out more and I'm not 100% satisfied with how much backstory I got. Fuchsia was a character that could have used more screentime and personality before she became a plot device.

The plot was very interesting overall, though I did feel like it got a little messy. The book bounced between subplots, and I think the resolution tying them together was a little weak, and I'm not sure how satisfied I am.

Overall, I'd still recommend this book to everyone, and I think even adults could learn a lot from this book, which really makes the reader take a step back and look at both sides of every coin.

This could be one of the books that everybody should read.. it’s talking about important subjects; gunlaws, domestic violence, both physical and mental abuse, living below the poverty level and so on. This book could mean a world of difference to quite a lot of people; it opens a new POV on everything, one that deserves to be seen.
I really loved the octopus story through the entire book, the sayings, all the little facts.. it made it so much more realistic and hopeful and I loved it.