User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
"Because what's the point? Octopuses have three hearts, and all of mine have broken."
This story is told from the perspective of a girl, Zoey, whose life revolves around taking care of three other younger kids at home and trying to make things less difficult for her overworked mom while she neglects her school work and her needs.
Kids are mean and yes, bullies are inevitably everywhere.
There's one interesting child character, Silas, who remains quiet the entire day as a way of trying to avoid bullying.
There's another character Fushsia. She and Zoey became friends out of necessity and they have to stick with each other because no one wants to be friends with them.
Their fault? They come from poor families.
There's one teacher who's trying their best to make Zoey understand and try to make her see why her education, or more clearly, why it's important to know what she wanted to see herself as an adult. This is important I feel. Not asking who we wanted to become but instead how we wanted to see ourselves as adults.
The writing explores such issues and emotions from the younger characters exceptionally well.
The plot also deals with gun violence and how it affects everyone. The discussion is worth reading.
A broken family, a youngster struggling each day to have a normal day and finally having the confidence to live our own lives.
And Lenny, you hopeless adult, you can go to hell.
Rating: really liked it
4.5 stars for The Benefits of Being an Octopus. This is a wonderfully-written story about a young girl who has learned all too young that moral decisions aren't nearly as black and white as many people wish they would be.
We follow seventh-grader Zoey as she struggles to make it through each day. Beyond the usual teen woes of homework and fitting in, Zoey also has to deal with shouldering a lot of the parental duties in her family. She has three younger siblings (including an infant) she must care for after school, doing everything from feeding them to getting them ready for bed. With never enough food to go around and a precarious living situation, Zoey's got a lot to deal with.
When one of her teachers wants her to participate in debate club, Zoey attends, but does her best to emulate her favourite animal, the octopus, by blending into the background. Eventually, Zoey realizes that she's got a lot to say about certain topics, and that her perspective is no less worthy than that of her classmates.
I'm deducting a half star for this book simply because there were a few scenes involving some pretty intense situations that didn't have me feeling on edge as much as I would expect. The suspense could have been built up a bit more for those parts.
For the most part, though, this book sucked me right in and I felt like I was there in the story beside Zoey as she was doing her best just to get it all done. I could feel her frustrations, despair, fatigue, and outrage. I admire the way author Ann Braden has deftly woven little details into the background that highlight how much more difficult life is when your living situation isn't secure.
I strongly recommend this book for just about anyone -- it would be a wonderful read to kick off a discussion about empathy and being able to understand other perspectives, even if you don't necessarily agree.
Badass Female Character score: 5/5 -- the messaging in this book is all about how to be a stronger person and sticking up for yourself. Zoey is pretty badass when you think about how well she manages her situation.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Sky Pony Press for providing me with a DRC of this book.
Rating: really liked it
'The Benefits of Being an Octopus' is Ann Braden's wonderful children's debut, that both taught and humbled me as an adult reader. The story is one of poverty, prejudice and the seemingly insurmountable odds that many families and children experience. It focuses on seventh grader (year eight in England and Wales) Zoey and her brave fight to overcome the odds that are stacked against her. Make no mistake, this is a powerful story with a beautiful message and an incredible heroine to boot!
A timeless and enduring tale that lets kids know they are not alone in their struggles. Unfortunately, poverty still persists, but what was once believed - that those born into poverty will remain in poverty - is no longer as black and white, although it is certainly now rearing its ugly head once more thanks to government cuts in both the UK and US. Of course, this ultimately leads back to the issue of capitalistic societies, but I don't wish to go into that in any great detail. The problem with capitalism is that it leads to a powerful and affluent few and an impoverished and oppressed many. Despite the riches some people have accumulated, most of which they will never need to live a comfortable life, there are many out there with barely two pennies to rub together.
This exquisitely written tale of overcoming overwhelming odds and thriving despite adversity will be enjoyed by kids and appreciated by adults. It looks at topical issues of class, poverty and the moral ambiguity of gun ownership, within the context and short duration of the story. Please don't make the mistake that this fantastic book is only for children and youngsters; I feel we adults could learn some important lessons here too. There should be more books like this but for each one, I am grateful, especially when they are as evocative and emotionally resonant as this one. We need to empower those living in difficult circumstances to escape the poverty trap, but a lot of other things need to change to make this possible. Braden's book will have a big impact on whoever decides to read it, and I for one look forward to reading her future work!
Many thanks to Sky Pony Press for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Rating: really liked it
I received an ARC of this book from Sky Pony Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you. The review for this one is long due. Basically, I finished it about ten days ago and didn’t get the time to write a review.
I picked up The Benefits of Being an Octopus after I read Nina's interesting review. It is a simple book that deals with powerful themes. The central character, Zoey, a middle grader reveals about her struggles with poverty and domestic abuse. As the book unfolds, she learns how to speak for herself, and how to take a stand.
I don’t really read middle-grade books but this one was a good one, specifically, due to the light that it shed on emotional abuse and the implications of such matters on kids. The author did an excellent job on displaying Zoey’s concerns and struggles. I also like the way her shift from under-confidence to confidence was portrayed.
The book also brought the culture of bullying to the spotlight. But, considering the weight of all these critical themes, the novel is a light read. It doesn’t pressure you. It just works around putting Zoey’s struggles to the fore with a light touch on emotions.
Briefly, the book is a short and quick read. It focuses on important topics but not with a blinding intensity, which is, somewhat, good. Because, in that way, the matters come to the fore without disturbing the reader much. It’s a book that you can pick whenever you are looking for a substantial read but one that's not excruciatingly long.
Rating: really liked it
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...7th-grader Zoey has her hands full and thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: 8 arms to do 8 things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses. Unfortunately, she’s not invisible, and a teacher forces her to join the debate club. Even though she resists participating, it leads her to see things in a new way… Explore the cultural divides around class and the gun debate.
The short review...Frankly my dear... I freakin loved this book! If there were books like The Benefits of Being an Octopus when I was a middle grader I would have fallen in love with reading a lot, lot sooner. In fact, I didn't really see this as a middle grade book at all because it didn't really read like one. It totally had this YA vibe where I felt like I was really hearing Zoey's story from her perspective (I didn't feel like I was being talked down to!) I didn't feel like I had to make concessions in the plot because it was MG. BUT you know what... she doesn't whine at all, while still giving you the low down on her life which is far from perfect! Honestly even YA readers could read and enjoy the realistic portrayal of abuse, poverty and school life.
While there is some crushing going on I really, really liked that there was no romance (this should have clued me in to the MG label!) but that it totally centered on Zoey's life. That's a good thing as she had a TON going on and really doesn't have room for romance! This is very true to life and that is really what this book is all about... Touching on themes and events that are quite relatable and giving them a hard but loving look. I'll end with a quote because I really think that will do the trick as far as convincing you that you NEED to read this book...
"If I were an octopus, things would be so much easier. I'd have one arm to wipe Aurora's nose. Two more for holding both kids' hands when I pick them up from the Head Start bus stop to keep Bryce from wandering into the street after some rock he's spotted. One to hold Hector and his diaper bag on the afternoons when my mom works at the Pizza Pit. One to adjust my shirt because it doesn't really fit and it can get too revealing if I'm not paying attention, and I don't want to be "that girl." One so I could do my homework at least some of the time if I wanted. One to pick up Cheerios that are always on the floor. And the last one to swipe a can of Easy Cheese from the Cumberland Farms convenience store. Because little snowmen out of Easy Cheese are the most magical thing little kids have ever seen."
(BUT if it doesn't then read on for 7 reasons that The Benefits of Being an Octopus is a #mustread even if its middle grade!)
Cover & Title grade -> A+The title, The Benefits of Being an Octopus, is certainly WHY I picked up the book. The title is killer and I wasn't disappointed in the least about the contents being about just that... The cover though is pretty neat as well. I think the best thing about it is how the figure representing Zoey really does look like a 7th grader. It gives you a hint that this is for middle grade readers, which I really appreciate! I also really loved how the octopus is her shadow... It's a simple design but effective and promotes what works so well in the story.
Why should ALL readers pick up The Benefits of Being an Octopus even though its middle grade?-The octopus facts and symbolism!
I would quote every time octopus were mentioned except that would ruin the experience! You really need to read this, the connections of octopus to Zoey and how she deals with everything is quite delightful.
-The show of poverty!
The quite gives you a sense of what I'm talking about... Zoey isn't complaining... She doesn't want her siblings gone... she wants to be able to take care of them better! It's upbeat but realistic and will grab you by the throat...
-The mental health!
The abuse in this book and how its handled is so, so good... (I don't want to give spoilers, but) I really enjoyed Zoey's part in it all. From her initial perspective, to her realization and then to her brainstorming how to deal with the problem.
-How debate fit into the problem!
GAH!!! This aspect of the story is so spot on... The detail that Ann went into was perfect. And her teacher, Ms. Rochambeau, awwww I loved her so much. The debate part of the story was so good, I wanted even more, but Ann kept it really balanced with everything else.
-School life and peer pressure!
Peer pressure is real and even the outcasts and those on the edges give in to it because its better than being the one on the hot seat. I quite enjoyed how Zoey handled all this... and that it wasn't just some mean girl bullies that we've seen a bunch of times.
-Fuchsia and making friends!
Oh Fuchsia! I did not see all that coming with her friend and when you have things going on its quite easy to neglect friends... Zoey realizes this too in the course of the story. And she reaches out when she didn't need to... LOVE this!
-Her family and siblings!
I adored Aurora and Bryce and how Zoey saw her home life. I felt like this was one of the most realistic perspectives illustrated in the book, because it was positive, aware that life wasn't perfect, but also problematic in a realistic way.
As a Writer...The Benefits of Being an Octopus is actually a book I would love to read a sequel from! This is almost unheard of from me (in fact, I don't think I've ever said this about a YA contemporary standalone!) but I really like Zoey and could definitely stick with her for another portion of her life as she deals with the changes that are just starting at the end of this novel.
Really I would not be surprised if this is really the memoir of some child out in the world that Ann Braden merely transcribed! (I'm sure its NOT that...) It's just that the narrative read so natural... This is the ultimate compliment from me... I just felt like I was with Zoey the entire time. I was experiencing what she was in the way that she would do things.
The Benefits of Being an Octopus is a real look inside of abuse and poverty and what it means to be a middle schooler trying to deal with that on top of school and friends. Ann Braden is a debut author that I will look forward to reading more from... She totally captured me with Zoey, the octopus girl whose courage is awe-inspiring! (It made it to my Best-of-2018 shelf for a reason...)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing Style
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World Building
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
Rating: really liked it
As an educator I can’t even begin to explain to you the quiet importance that Ms. Rochambeau plays in this story. This will be a book that will not only be a very vital window for students to look in, but also a mirror to know they aren’t alone. Ann has touched on topics that I know for a fact students experience, or something similar, on a day in, day out basis, but are not quick to speak up. I feel as though all middle grade students and teachers need to read this book, and soon.
Rating: really liked it
Zoey doesn't have a chance to worry about the normal woes of seventh grade, like homework and crushes. She's too busy helping her family just scrape by, but with three other siblings, she'd have to be an octopus with eight tentacles to juggle every task. However, one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club and soon Zoey can't help but examine the different sides of the relationships around her.
Zoey is such a strong and complicated character to follow throughout this novel. When she finds herself facing a difficult situation, she reverts to the knowledge of her favorite animal, the octopus, and uses that information to develop defense mechanisms that she believes help move her forward. This works on multiple levels, particularly in that we get to learn some great octopus facts, but also in that it allows her to be a very introspective character for a large stretch. Her point of view on life is so clear from the first page and it propels all the action.
And what a point of view. It's great seeing middle grade fiction tackle economic diversity through a novel that so carefully describes one community's poverty. There are a lot of small details about this that keep the book feeling real. This is no more evident than when exploring emotional abuse with Zoey's mom and her boyfriend. These scenes are difficult to read, but they're written with such empathy and understanding of how this seventh grader would see it.
I really can't say enough great things about this book.
Ann Braden has written one of the strongest debut middle grade novels in a long, long time.
Note: I received an ARC copy of this through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Rating: really liked it
"Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do." (p.52)
"How is it possible to have no visible cage around you, but to be so trapped?" (p.208)
Rating: really liked it
All I need is to know something—and I do. And maybe, just maybe, if I do this—and if I can rock it—all the other kids will have their minds blown, and it’ll be completely satisfying to watch. “Who would have guessed,” they’ll say, “that Zoey knew so much cool stuff? I had no idea! I thought I knew who she was, but clearly I didn’t at all.” Maybe Kaylee Vine would even stop holding her nose and switching seats on the bus to get away from me.The Benefits of Being an Octopus is a treasure of a book — I absolutely loved it! If I could, I would give it six stars! At its core, it is an inspiring story about finding oneself and empowerment. It may be intended for teens and YA, but it will definitely resonate with adults. It’s an amazing debut novel and I cannot wait to read what Ann Braden writes next.
Zoey is a seventh grader who is working on her debate prep. The assigned topic — what is the best animal and why. For Zoey, the answer is the octopus and she knows many reasons why it surpasses all others. In fact, she is very knowledgeable about the eight-legged creature and even identifies with them at times.
Zoey is responsible for looking after her three younger siblings (ranging in age from infant to four years old) and it takes up a lot of her free time. She is not a great student and doesn’t really care about school. She never participates in class and as she explains, she isn’t the kind of kid that does homework.
Besides being unsuccessful at school, Zoey is bullied by her classmates. She doesn’t fit in and doesn’t seem to care. She also feels unappreciated by her mother, who she sees as having markedly changed since they moved in with her boyfriend Lenny. The reader cannot help but feel for Zoey and the challenging circumstances of her life. But one day her life, as well as those around her, will change when her social studies teacher becomes involved.
Likening herself to an octopus is a psychological coping mechanism for Zoey. She clearly suffers from an inferiority complex, among other things, and feeling that she shares some characteristics of an octopus helps guide her and gives her a perceived edge over her classmates. An added bonus for the reader is that we learn some interesting facts about the octopus.
The chromatophores right under my octopus skin switch to camouflage. When I slide into the seat, I might as well be made of the same colors as the desk and the metal chair legs.It’s like my octopus body has gotten trapped in a net. But there has to be an opening somewhere. If I can just stay calm and avoid getting tangled up …In fact, identifying with the eight-legged mollusk gives Zoey a sense of confidence, hope and courage when she most needs it. She is able to deal with stressful situations by imagining the advantages she has as an octopus.
I can camouflage myself well enough to blend in with a desk. I just need to camouflage myself enough to blend in with them. I take a deep breath and extend my tentacles.I can still blend in with the eager beavers. I can still pretend I’m like them. Maybe after long enough, that magic wand of confidence will mistake me for them, and give me a bop on the head, too.Could I really be like them? I mean, an octopus can change colors ten times in a matter of seconds, so all sorts of ridiculous things are possible.Ann Braden does a remarkable job capturing the voice and temperament of a seventh grader.
I hate waking them up. It’s like you’ve finally won the lottery of peace and quiet and then you rip that winning ticket to shreds and dump a bucket of angry, screaming monkeys on your head.Silas has the kind of freckles that make you want to connect the dots to form constellations and dragons and things.I slip into the stall that has you’re a slut carved on the side. I used to like to look at it sideways and pretend that it says you’re a slug and that it was carved by a cockroach who was just trying to help his slug friend who was having some identity issues.The Benefits of Being an Octopus explores many important and relevant topics - bullying, living day-to-day with poverty, emotional abuse, the gun debate and finding one’s voice (both literally and figuratively). Importantly, it shows how one person can make such a significant difference in a child’s life and its direction, in this case a teacher who cares.
Thank you to Skyhorse Publishing/Sky Pony Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: really liked it
It's been a long time since I dived into a Middle Grade contemporary novel, and I was a bit hesitant about going into
The Benefits of Being an Octopus. I needn't have worried, though, because I took a liking to this book from the very first page – based on a quote.
"The history of the octopus illustrates the brain's ability to evolve. As they lost their ancestors' protective shells they were forced to become more intelligent." – The Octopus: Graceful Cephalopod of the Deep by Derby King
Ann Braden tells a story of socioeconomic struggles, courage, and the importance to speak up and stand your ground. The Benefits of Being an Octopus will be a source of hope for many young readers living on the edge of society (which underpins the requirement of libraries, obviously!). I would like to specifically point out the role of the octopus in this book.The octopus serves a triple purpose in this story: It is 1) a symbol of the human ability to adapt and evolve in difficult situations, especially children and adolescents, which represents a core theme in this book, 2) a visualisation of how young ones, who are forced into parental roles for their siblings due to their parents trying to make the rent, juggle several things (household, schoolwork, friendships, first love) at once, and 3) an image the main character uses to summon strength because the octopus can both camouflage and reach for several things at once. I really liked how Ann Braden instrumentalised this fascinating animal in the book to address issues of socioenomic status, parentification (the role reversal of parent and child), and domestic abuse. She skillfully highlights how students from low-income families can be at a disadvantage, for example when homework requires certain materials at home which Zoey explains she does not have. She also addresses prejudice and misunderstandings between friends. I enjoyed the friendship between Zoey and Fuchsia, which demonstrated how important it is to pay attention to your social environment and how much strength can be gained in having loyal friends. With Zoey joining the debate club at school, Ann Braden kickstarts her character growth – standing up to fellow students, standing up to friends, and standing up to her mother's abusive boyfriend.
MG literature is, more than any other genre, meant to teach as much as entertain. The Benefits of Being an Octopus accomplished this goal by showing the reader how domestic abuse does not necessarily require physical violence, but that verbal and emotional abuse can also be harrowing. The book also encourages young readers to take matters into their own hands, especially their future, and to be attentive towards others.
Rating: really liked it
I got sent this book in exchange for a honest review, all my opinions are my own and thank you so much to the publishers for sending me this book!So in this book we follow Zoey who we follow through the novel as she faces different challenges and subjects like racism and gun safety and overall just her being able to fit in.
I was very bland with my summarising but it's hard not to give too much away.
Some parts of this book worked for me and some didn't, I just didn't feel emotionally attached to the story. I think it's maybe cause Zoey is still young and that age you don't understand everything.
Anyway this comes out in September so if you wanna see what it's about just go for it.
Rating: really liked it
Zoey is a lovable little weirdo trying to survive being a teenager, an older sister, a friend, and an outsider.
This was a fantastic coming of age story with a delightfully quirky main character.
There were a few unanswered questions for me at the end, but not enough to deter me from recommending this to everyone.
Some heavy bits, some funny bits and some weird bits.
Give it a read, I think you'll like it!
Much love to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for allowing me early access to this book.
Rating: really liked it
I had a visceral reaction to the ending scenes of this book. I literally could not breathe. I don't think I've ever had that kind of response before. Wow. Needless to say, Ann Braden's writing has blown me away. My favorite line: "I think that sometimes you need to have your back up against the wall to find out what you're made of. And you just haven't had that happen to you yet."
I would strongly suggest this for the RI middle school book award list.
Rating: really liked it
Wow, what a powerful book for teenagers and about teenagers. If I could I would give this so much more than just 5 stars. It has the quality of an award-winning short story and a pace of a thriller. Spot-on in every aspect.
It isn't often when an adult writer actually manages to write for young readers in a way that both appeals and is also very insightful. This book made me laugh and cry tears as big as kidney beans. There were so many broken strings inside Zoey and myself...memories of my own childhood kept creeping up like those eight tentacles constantly mentioned or hinted at.
It's like Zoey says at the beginning:
If I were an octopus, things would be so much easier. I'd have one arm to wipe Aurora's nose. Two more for holding both kids' hands when I pick them up from the Head Start bus stop to keep Bryce from wandering into the street after some rock he's spotted. One to hold Hector and his diaper bag on the afternoons when my mom works at the Pizza Pit. One to adjust my shirt because it doesn't really fit and it can get too revealing if I'm not paying attention, and I don't want to be "that girl." One so I could do my homework at least some of the time if I wanted. One to pick up the Cheerios that are always on the floor. And the last to swipe a can of Easy Cheese from the Cumberland Farms convenience store.And all this coming from a 7-grader's head...
OK, my life wasn't this bad in 7th grade exactly. More like after I graduated high school and single-handedly moved to New York, leaving my family, my language and everything else I knew about the world (mostly because it was all bad and hopeless) behind. THEN my life took on a spin much like Zoey's, so I can totally associate.
This book is a fantastic portrait of what a teenage girl goes through internally and externally. I would HIGHLY recommend it, firstly, to parents of teenagers, and of course to all the curious young readers as well.
I can't imagine a reader who wouldn't fall in love with someone like Zoey.
Big thank you to Sky Pony Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this amazing journey. This review is my honest opinion.
Rating: really liked it
Zoey is a tween, living in a trailer that belongs to her mother's boyfriend, attending school but doing very little work, caring for her young siblings while Zoey's mother and the boyfriend work their low-end jobs. It's an impossible life for all of them, but the trailer and the reliable transportation the boyfriend offers have lifted the small family marginally up, and Zoey's mom struggles to pacify her boyfriend so that the family has a clean place to live and food to eat. Zoey can do little but watch the relationship between her mom and her mom's boyfriend deteriorate as Zoey's mom becomes smaller and smaller to appease her boyfriend.
And then a teacher reaches out to Zoey, and Zoey gradually learns a new way to deal with problems.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Slowly, Zoey and her mom begin to take action. The reader is left in the end with the hope that things will get better, but nothing is certain.
I know literally hundreds of students in my town and others across America who would benefit from reading this book, from seeing their lives, possibly for the first time, in a story. It isn't often that I read books with children of poverty as the main characters, and I thank the author for taking on this subject. I also thank the author for not tacking on a happily-ever-after ending; that certainly never seems to happen in real life.
