The Benefits of Being an Octopus
- ISBN-10
- 1510737529
- ISBN-13
- 9781510737525
- Category
- Juvenile Fiction
- Pages
- 256
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2018-09-18
- Publisher
- Simon and Schuster
- Author
- Ann Braden
Description
An NPR Best Book of 2018! Some people can do their homework. Some people get to have crushes on boys. Some people have other things they've got to do. Seventh-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. At 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. Zoey 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. Unfortunately, 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? This 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.
Get the book
Similar books
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By J. K. RowlingRescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-
Harry Potter y el Prisionero de Azkaban. Edición Slytherin / Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Slytherin Edition
By J.K. RowlingENGLISH DESCRIPTION You will always have a home at Hogwarts. The 20th Anniversary Edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Let J.K. Rowling's classic saga take you back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-
Play It Again
By Laura DowerShe was Lindsay Frost, and she'd been in Madison's class since first grade, but Madison rarely noticed her. The only time Lindsay spoke ...
-
From the Files of Madison Finn Books 1–10
By Laura DowerShe was Lindsay Frost, and she'd been in Madison's class since first grade, but Madison rarely noticed her. The only time Lindsay spoke out in class was to ...
-
Storybook Advent Calendar
By Laura D. Lewis, Lewis BrechLaura D. Lewis, Lewis Brech ... and Jack Frost was mischievous enough to nip his nose and ears if he undertook the long journey while the Frost King reigned ...
-
All That Glitters
By Laura DowerFiona laughed. “I thought you'd wish that Dan would like you back.” Lindsay's eyes bugged out. “Dan?” Mrs. Frost asked. “Who's Dan?” Lindsay froze.
-
The Long Winter
By Laura Ingalls WilderSuch a light frost will only make it dry faster when it's cut. But I'd better get a hustle on, for it won't be long now till it's too late to make hay.
-
Keep It Real
By Laura DowerMadison told Fiona she'd check with her dad about changing the plans. ... Fiona's soccer buddy, Daisy Espinoza; and, of course, Lindsay Frost, who was.
-
From the Files of Madison Finn: All That Glitters - Book #20
By Laura DowerMrs. Frost asked . ... Mrs. Frost grabbed her daughter's hands . ... Madison noticed how Mrs. Frost just stood there as if she'd been socked in the jaw .
-
Heart to Heart
By Laura DowerCan Maddie follow her heart this Valentine’s Day?