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The Benefits of being an Octopus
by Ann Braden

This book was helpful to me as an educator and it is something I think every educator should read. I also feel this book would beneficial to students who are living in similar circumstances. This book deals with a middle school student living in poverty with her mother and younger siblings. They move around a lot, moving in with whomever her mother is dating at the time. This brings a host of problems into Zoe's life. Zoe has to be very responsible and is in charge of taking care of her siblings much of the time. She makes sure they get to and from school, feeds them, and comforts them. Zoe doesn't have anyone doing the same for her. 

We walk with Zoe through many trials as well as an opportunity given to her by one of her teachers. "The Benefits of being an Octopus" looks at the cold, hard reality of life while also sharing how hope can be interwoven. 

Click HERE for a read aloud of chapter one. 

Click HERE  to learn more about the author.

Click HERE if you are experiencing abuse and need help. 
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This is how Ann Braden summarizes her powerful book: 

Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they’ve got to do.

Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there’s Lenny, her mom’s boyfriend—they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer.

At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they’re in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it’s best if no one notices them.

Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses.

Unfortunately, she’s not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom’s relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia’s situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they’re better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she’s ever had?

This moving debut novel explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward. 

(from https://annbradenbooks.com/books/)

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