BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS: Read Aloud & Educator’s Guide

Looking for this book during lockdown? It is available as an Audible audiobook, an e-book, and is shipping from many independents. First Book also have an exclusive discounted paperback for their member schools!

ABOUT THE GUIDE

The guide focuses on discussion and active engagement with issues that divide our community. For example, it provides an activity to listen deeply and record two sides of debate, an activity to turn two sides into one goal, and a financial literacy activity to understand the burdens of a minimum wage income. Written by educator and author Ann Braden.
DOWNLOAD Benefits of Being an Octopus: Educator's Guide (PDF)

While this video was recorded before the book was released, Ann Braden’s exploration of the book’s mission is still quite arresting.

 

READ ALOUD OF CHAPTER 1

Thank you to Ann Braden for curling up with us by the fire.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Benefits of Being An Octopus
By Ann Braden
Published by Sky Pony Press
ISBN-13: 9781510737488
Age Range: 8-12 Years
Available as a Hardcover, eBook, Audio, First Book Paperback

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.

“This is a compassionate look at poverty, hard choices, and defending one’s right to be treated humanely. A very fine first novel, written with a deft hand.”
—Newbery Medal Winner, Karen Hesse
.
“This heartbreaking, beautifully written book about finding one’s voice will offer some readers a relatable reflection and others a window that can help build empathy and understanding. VERDICT Braden’s story raises many thought-provoking and timely questions about the difficulty of escaping poverty and the prevalence of gun violence. Highly recommended”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
.
“This engrossing debut novel…takes the reader on her journey from the dire side of the class divide to a life of cautious hope as she learns the world is big enough for choices, actions, and results.”
—Booklist