The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Zoey believes that the other students in school look down on her. What evidence can you find of this in the text? What changes her perception about her worth relative to other students?

The story is told from Zoey’s first-person point of view. How would the story differ if it were told from the perspective of another character? Choose a specific character and articulate their view of the same events.

The socioeconomic divide is one of the novel’s central themes. Do you agree with how the novel portrays class differences? Support your response.

Ms. Rochambeau’s life advice to Zoey is to “Suck it up.” Do you find this advice appropriate or too harsh for a child in such difficult circumstances? If you were Zoey’s teacher or mentor, what help or advice would you offer?

After the parking lot shooting, Ms. Rochambeau chooses gun ownership as a debate club topic. To what extent is this an irresponsible choice (when the students are still processing their trauma from the event) versus a safe, structured way to approach a topic that has serious real-life consequences?

Zoey feels that she has an ally in Kyla, the only African American girl in her class. How are the issues that Zoey and Kyla face similar? How might race affect Zoey’s and Kyla’s experiences differently?

Provide a response to Zoey’s first debate assignment: What is the best animal? Defend your response. Do you relate to any animal as strongly as Zoey relates to the octopus? If so, why?

To manage life’s necessities, Kara and Zoey must navigate government services for disadvantaged families. In your opinion, are these services adequate to meet the needs of families like Zoey’s? Support your response.