The Benefits of Being an Octopus focuses on Zoey, a middle schooler who often feels like an octopus as she takes care of three little siblings most of the time. Zoey’s mom is a waitress with a new boyfriend named Lenny. 

As the story builds, we see that Lenny is very controlling and intimidating. Zoey is also finding out that her friend Fuschia is also in a dangerous situation. Zoey is encouraged by a special teacher and much of the novel focuses on her experiences on the debate team. Ultimately she has to apply those lessons to stand up for herself to see if her family can find a fresh start. 

This book is a great age appropriate look at what it is like to grow up having to be an adult when you are truly a child, at poverty, and at domestic violence. It was heartfelt and optimistic, while grounded in reality.