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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.
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Previews available in: English
Subjects
social themes, homelessness & poverty, Brothers and sisters, Middle schools, Debates and debating, Juvenile fiction, Family problems, Fiction, Schools, Social classes, Children's fiction, Brothers and sisters, fiction, Schools, fiction, Fictional Work, Juvenile works, family, friendship, Self-Esteem & Self-RelianceShowing 7 featured editions. View all 7 editions?
Edition | Availability |
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1
Benefits of Being an Octopus: A Novel
2021, Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated
in English
1510757678 9781510757677
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2
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
2019-02-12, Tantor Media
Digital Audio
in English
1541468007 9781541468009
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3
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
2019, Thorndike Press
Hardcover
in English
- Large print edition (1)
1432865943 9781432865948
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4
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
May 12, 2019, Tantor Media Inc
preloaded digital audio player
1987162935 9781987162936
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5
Benefits of Being an Octopus
2018, Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated
in English
1510737529 9781510737525
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zzzz
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WorldCat
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6 |
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7
The Benefits of Being an Octopus
2018, Sky Pony Press
Hardcover
in English
- First Edition (7)
1510737480 9781510737488
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- Created May 18, 2021
- 3 revisions
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May 18, 2021 | Edited by Lisa | Added edition. |
May 18, 2021 | Edited by Lisa | Added new cover |
May 18, 2021 | Created by Lisa | Added new book. |