{"product_id":"9781510757677","title":"The Benefits of Being an Octopus : A Novel","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eThe Benefits of Being an Octopus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor(s): Ann Braden\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNPR Best Book of 2018, Bank Street List for Best Children's Books of 2019, Named to the Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher List, Maine's Student Book Award List, Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Award List, Rhode Island Middle School Book Award 2020 List, 2020 Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee, 2021 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee, 2020-2021 Truman Award​ (Missouri) Nominee, Middle School Virginia Readers’ Choice Titles for 2020–2021​, Charlie May Simon Award 2020–2021 List, 2021–2022 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee, and 2023 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award nominee​​.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeventh-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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZoey 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnfortunately, 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?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview(s):\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNPR Best Book of 2018\u003cbr\u003eBank Street List for Best Children's Books of 2019\u003cbr\u003e2020 Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee\u003cbr\u003e2021 South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee\u003cbr\u003e2020-2021 Truman Award​ (Missouri) Nominee\u003cbr\u003eMiddle School Virginia Readers’ Choice Titles for 2020–2021​\u003cbr\u003eCharlie May Simon Award 2020–2021 List\u003cbr\u003eIowa Teen Award List 2020–2021\u003cbr\u003e2021–2022 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominees\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNamed to the Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher List, Maine's Student Book Award List, Louisiana Young Reader's Choice Award List, Rhode Island Middle School Book Award 2020 List\u003cbr\u003e2023 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award nominee\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“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.” —\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, Starred Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\" —\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This accomplished debut novel looks at poverty and domestic violence through the eyes of Zoey, who helps take care of three younger siblings for her overworked mother. While author Ann Braden tackles complex issues without being preachy, this is ultimately the story of a girl who wants better for her family—and the risks she's willing to take to achieve it. Zoey's voice is funny without self-pity, and it's easy to see how a perceptive debate teacher might notice her when others don't. \u003ci\u003eThe Benefits of Being an Octopus\u003c\/i\u003e will change the way you see things, too.\" —Lisa Yee, author, most recently of the DC Super Hero Girls series, for\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e NPR's Best Books of 2018\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \"\u003ci\u003eThe Benefits of Being an Octopus\u003c\/i\u003e is a beautiful, layered look at the courage it takes to stand up to and stand up for the people you love--including yourself. Braden's story captivated me and carried me along, leaving me changed for the better. —\u003cb\u003eElaine Vickers, author of \u003ci\u003eLike Magic\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003ePaper Chains\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"With grace and heart and words masterfully woven, \u003ci\u003eThe Benefits of Being an Octopus\u003c\/i\u003e captures the quiet and loud masks of domestic violence. Braden navigates the complexities of choice and power and the meaning of courage. And how sometimes together, we can find our voice and our strength.\" —\u003cb\u003eElly Swartz, author of \u003ci\u003eFinding Perfect\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSmart Cookie\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This wise book knows we can't always keep the people we love safe. But it also knows that courage and compassion can sometimes turn lives around. You will care so fiercely about Zoey -- the octopus-loving, truth-telling young heroine that you'll want to wrap all eight of your own arms around her.\" —\u003cb\u003eAnne Nesbet, author of California Book Award winner, \u003ci\u003eCloud\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eWallfish\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"You are seen. You are heard. You are loved.\" In a perfect world, every child would know these three absolutes. Ann Braden shares this message with her readers in a funny, poignant story about Zoey, her siblings, their mother, and one very special teacher. An octopus might be the most clever creature, but it can't hold a candle (or eight) to Braden's masterfully constructed prose.\" —\u003cb\u003eK. A. Holt, author of \u003ci\u003eHouse Arrest\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This book will open minds, expand hearts, and change lives.\" —\u003cb\u003eJennifer Chambliss Bertman, \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of the Scavenger series\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN:  9781510757677\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e ","brand":"Sky Pony","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":40591139832014,"sku":"9781510757677","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/7029\/7806\/products\/O_88740b7f-5fcb-44fc-a345-83386514ed3c.jpg?v=1646603382","url":"https:\/\/pickwickbookshop.com\/products\/9781510757677","provider":"Pickwick Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}