the benefits of being an octopus by ann braden

This will not affect my review in any way. 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.Īmazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Book Depository | Bartlebly’s Booksĭisclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss for review consideration. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she’s ever had? 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. Unfortunately, she’s not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. 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. At least there’s Lenny, her mom’s boyfriend-they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer.Īt school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. 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. Some people have other things they’ve got to do. It’s especially fitting since school is beginning for many people in these next few weeks, so I hope you’ll pick up this book for you or for your children/students.

I am so happy to say that The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden is one of them, and today’s review displays how much it will change your perspective on what other people have to go through in their lives. Hi guys! This year, I’ve discovered upon a slew of life-changing Middle Grade books that have impacted me so dearly.

The benefits of being an octopus by ann braden