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

emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Great middle grade book to help kids learn about rural poverty and gray areas. I'm a big proponent of letting kids think through issues they are likely to encounter through fiction before they must deal with it in real life, or to help them deal with it in real life. This is an excellent book for that. 
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