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alj123's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
leafblade's review against another edition
2.0
I got this ARC via NetGalley.
Easy to read, but ultimately hollow.
The plot was messy, it seemed like the author forget about side stories and characters and then came back many chapters later like "well, actually, these things are still a thing". Storylines were left uncompleted, characters were left underdeveloped. The debate club seemed like just an excuse for Zoey (I had to think really hard to remember her name) to learn the definition of discrediting the opponent. She made no friends until the last few pages, she could've done without her teacher, she didn't learn any skills bc she didn't actually participate in any debate. There are popular girls at school that are mentioned only once like we've known them all along, which we don't.
The debate club teacher didn't care enough about Zoey. I don't care what you say, she just didn't. I wouldn't be surprised if she'd kept her distance on purpose just to forget her childhood. You see a student struggling with her toddler siblings and you just give her a thumbs up? You heard her say something about men with guns threatening little girls and you waited a whole week to ask her if she's okay? She's in poverty and in an abusive household and the ONLY thing you tell her is to suck it up? Fuck you. Honestly.
There was like this WHOLE plotline about being pro gun because hUnTiNg iS fUn and honestly I'm so angered about this the only words I have again are fuck you. Fuck you personally, author. What the fuck. What. The fuck. This is a middle grade???? With gun propaganda???? w h a t t h e f u c k
The final scene with the family running away from the abusive step dad and stuff was thrilling but didn't make me feel for the characters. It was too late.
Easy to read, but ultimately hollow.
The plot was messy, it seemed like the author forget about side stories and characters and then came back many chapters later like "well, actually, these things are still a thing". Storylines were left uncompleted, characters were left underdeveloped. The debate club seemed like just an excuse for Zoey (I had to think really hard to remember her name) to learn the definition of discrediting the opponent. She made no friends until the last few pages, she could've done without her teacher, she didn't learn any skills bc she didn't actually participate in any debate. There are popular girls at school that are mentioned only once like we've known them all along, which we don't.
The debate club teacher didn't care enough about Zoey. I don't care what you say, she just didn't. I wouldn't be surprised if she'd kept her distance on purpose just to forget her childhood. You see a student struggling with her toddler siblings and you just give her a thumbs up? You heard her say something about men with guns threatening little girls and you waited a whole week to ask her if she's okay? She's in poverty and in an abusive household and the ONLY thing you tell her is to suck it up? Fuck you. Honestly.
There was like this WHOLE plotline about being pro gun because hUnTiNg iS fUn and honestly I'm so angered about this the only words I have again are fuck you. Fuck you personally, author. What the fuck. What. The fuck. This is a middle grade???? With gun propaganda???? w h a t t h e f u c k
The final scene with the family running away from the abusive step dad and stuff was thrilling but didn't make me feel for the characters. It was too late.
irisdagmar's review against another edition
5.0
A must-read for educators who work with students living in rural poverty, and an excellent all-school or all-faculty read. It’s rare to see “our” poor kids in print; this captures what it’s really like on the day-to-day, surviving school and home.
goodem9199's review against another edition
4.0
Really, really well done. A few things tied up too quickly and neatly, though.
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t think I was expecting this book to be exactly what it was, however that turned out to be a good thing. The characters are the kind you can relate to, even if you don’t have similar experiences.
The author covered multiple social issues, ones, that are seen and dealt with everyday. At times, it did feel overwhelming, like what else could she possibly add? However, books that challenge you and perhaps get you to look at things a little differently, are always a good thing. I can see this being a great discussion book for classrooms or even for parents and their children at home.
I loved learning all the facts about octopuses and how the author related them to everyday life. I was so into the story that I was disappointed when I realized I had come to the end. The Benefits of Being an Octopus is an encouraging look at the strength and wisdom of middle grade aged kids, as well as, the struggles of single parents and the worries that can keep people trapped in situations that are comfortable but not good for them. I can’t wait to see what Ann Braden shares with us next.
The author covered multiple social issues, ones, that are seen and dealt with everyday. At times, it did feel overwhelming, like what else could she possibly add? However, books that challenge you and perhaps get you to look at things a little differently, are always a good thing. I can see this being a great discussion book for classrooms or even for parents and their children at home.
I loved learning all the facts about octopuses and how the author related them to everyday life. I was so into the story that I was disappointed when I realized I had come to the end. The Benefits of Being an Octopus is an encouraging look at the strength and wisdom of middle grade aged kids, as well as, the struggles of single parents and the worries that can keep people trapped in situations that are comfortable but not good for them. I can’t wait to see what Ann Braden shares with us next.
suz1's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
foraging_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Read for my Young Adult Literature class.
This was a sweet story about Zoey and her underprivileged family trying to make life work.
Simple and realistic. It also had great examples of why you should always be kind, because you have no idea what the person next to you is going through.
This was a sweet story about Zoey and her underprivileged family trying to make life work.
Simple and realistic. It also had great examples of why you should always be kind, because you have no idea what the person next to you is going through.
cowboylikestoread43's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
meatballlover29's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0