Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

7 reviews

bookishaddictions's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book is a good tribute to the kids that are struggling with poverty or stuck living in an abusive home (even if it isn’t physical). Zoe shows how wise yet naive a young teen can be all at once when forced to perform adult responsibilities at a young age; her younger siblings (Bryce, Aurora, and Hector) are perfect examples of the different reactions that young children can have in these circumstances. The story shows the love and power that individuals in their position can reclaim, such as by joining a club, alongside the difficulties that their temporary powerlessness can create. Readers also get to learn some fun octopus facts while they face these darker topics too, so that’s a bonus. I found TBOBAO on @libby.app as an audiobook, so check if your local library has a copy 🎧

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This is such a super good book to introduce the really hard issues of classism and gun control and domestic violence. It's so beautifully written, and my heart really hurt for Zoey, who was dealing with so so much when her job should have been just to get through middle school. I'd absolutely read Ms. Braden again, and I'd definitely buy this book for the young folks in my life.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Gun violence, and Misogyny

Moderate: Abandonment, Mass/school shootings, Mental illness, and Homophobia

Minor: Addiction and Drug abuse

redhothabanero's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a good book that makes you think about kids and how there's so much more to them that what it seems. Some parts were really sad and hard to listen to but the fact is that this is happening in our society. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse

Moderate: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting

Minor: Bullying

rachaelbunny's review

challenging emotional inspiring 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? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Mass/school shootings, Classism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Gun violence

Minor: Homophobia, Addiction, and Drug abuse

bandysbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I didn’t realize this was a Middle Grade book when I first picked up the audiobook through the library, but it became pretty clear pretty quickly. The narration is simple and though it does cover some deep topics, it does them in the way a child would understand. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Abandonment, Child abuse, Mass/school shootings, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders

absosarahlutely's review

emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Really enjoyed the story, I’m not sure it would put in my elementary library due to some language/name calling.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse

brunk's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Listened to the audiobook with my niece, it led to important conversations about some tough things she's experienced and about healthy relationships.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting

Moderate: Gun violence and Misogyny

Minor: Addiction