5/20/22 second reading, this time via audiobook with my son. The narration was well done.

Original review from 6/26/19:

"If you imagine what it's like to have your back up against the wall all the time, you might be less likely to assume someone's stupid and evil" (p. 244).

This quote above epitomizes what this entire book is trying to do. The Benefits of Being an Octopus, by Ann Braden, tells the story of Zoey (the first-person narrator, a 7th grader), her young siblings, and her mother, who are survivors, fighting the hard fight against poverty, struggling against the economy, defying abuse, and working so hard to rise above their circumstances. This story is empowering, empathetic, compassionate beyond much of the YA novels I've read recently.

I absolutely love what another author has written about this book: "This is a compassionate look at poverty, hard choices, and defending one's right to be treated humanely. A very fine first novel, written with a deft hand" (Karen Hesse).

For once, the cover flap is spot on: "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."

Other great quotes:

"'Sometimes life gives you a moment like that where everything is suddenly clear. And for me, it's good to have a daily reminder of it.' (quoting Connor)

"A moment when everything is suddenly clear.

"Like when you start to wonder if maybe you do have a choice about the kind of person you want to become.

"Maybe" (p. 102).

***

"Because this is my moment when everything is suddenly clear.

"I'm not going to be like my mom. I'm not going to let anybody mess with me.

"When an octopus sends up its spray of ink, it means business. It's going to throw off that predator—and then it's going to escape.

"And nobody's a better escape artist than an octopus" (p. 107-108).

***

"As I lean back, I overhear Kyla at the other table saying that if people always make a living wage, they'd be able to buy things like books for their kids to read, and how that'd be a good thing for the country" (p. 123).

The Benefits of Being an Octopus - Likewise Book Reviews

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