The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Name: The Benefits of Being an Octopus
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9781510757677
Price: 22.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

A Novel

By Ann Braden

0.0 (0 reviews)

4.21

( 16,019 ratings, 2,541 reviews)

Summary

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden is a powerful children's book that follows a young girl named Zoey as she navigates the challenges of middle school and a complicated home life. Zoey envies the resilience and adaptability of octopuses, wishing she could blend into her surroundings and tackle her problems with the same agility. As she becomes involved in a school debate team, she learns to find her own voice and the strength to face her circumstances.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$22⁹⁹

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The Benefits of Being an Octopus

$22⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in powerful stories that explore themes of resilience and self-discovery from a young person's perspective. With a focus on social issues, it provides an insightful look into the challenges faced by a young girl who draws strength from her fascination with a unique sea creature, reflecting themes of growth and courage.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Description

Age range 9 to 12

NPR Best Book of 2018, Bank Street List for Best Children's Books of 2019

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 parlour. 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 defences.

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?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden has been highly praised for its compelling narrative and depth. The story gracefully delves into the complexities of poverty and domestic violence through the eyes of a young girl named Zoey. Readers and critics alike admire the book for its powerful themes about courage, choice, and self-discovery, wrapped in an engaging and empathetic prose that has resonated with audiences of various ages.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781510757677

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 June 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Sky Pony Press

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 318g

Pages: 312

Collections

Ann Braden Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Young Adult

About the Author

Ann Braden writes books about kids struggling to find their voice amidst the realities of life. She founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group focused on championing the common ground on the issue of guns in Vermont, which recently helped pass landmark gun violence prevention legislation. She also founded the Local Love Brigade, which now has chapters all over the country sending love postcards to those who are facing hate. Ann is the co-host of the children's book podcast, "Lifelines: Books that Bridge the Divide," along with Pakistani American author Saadia Faruqi, and is a former middle school teacher. She lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two children, and two insatiable cats named Boomer and Justice. Visit her online at www.annbradenbooks.com.

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Paperback

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