A review by literarystrawberry
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5

This book deals with a lot of important topics (poverty, domestic abuse, gun violence), and for the most part I believe handles them in a realistic and thoughtful way. I especially appreciated how the author portrayed emotional abuse, since that can be more subtle than obvious physical violence, and I think it can be good for young readers to see those examples so they can better recognize it if they encounter it in their own lives. I also thought the author did a great job at showing just how difficult it was for the mom to leave, even when she wanted to (no car, no funds for their own apartment, the homeless shelters full, etc.), which I think can help readers be more understanding and sympathetic of women in similar situations instead of thinking they're stupid for staying with someone who treats them badly.

That said, I do wonder about how kids who /are/ in similar situations to Zoey might take this book. It's tough, because on one hand, from a narrative standpoint, you want the main character to take charge and play an active role in moving the story forward, so it makes sense for Zoey to be the main one to "save the day" by the end. But I wonder if it might make some readers feel like they should also be responsible for, say, convincing their mom that her boyfriend is abusive, and then finding a solution to get the family out and keep everyone safe. I know it's a story, so it doesn't have to be perfectly realistic, but I do just wish there was an author's note or something at the end giving resources, or at least some kind of reassurance that it should never actually be the child's responsibility to fix things like that, and if you try to and fail it isn't your fault. I don't know. Maybe this book is meant more for kids who /aren't/ in those situations, so they can build empathy and understanding for those who are.

Also... Tbh, I didn't really buy
everyone at the end telling Zoey "Oh, you're so good at debate, please come back on the team!" because like... All she did was show up halfway through one of their first practice debates, yell at everybody about how they're all wrong, and then run away. And like, sure, she made a lot of good points, I'd even agree with her on most of it from what I can remember, but it really wasn't a "debate". She didn't go back and forth with an opponent and defend her points. She just yelled and left. So yeah.
 

But yeah, overall I did enjoy it, and the audiobook narrator did a good job. I'm glad I randomly found it available on Libby.
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