Hey everyone, it's Ben here, blogging for the very first time for Mighty Smackdown! I am honoured to be able to wax profound about two great novels, "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden, and "Born To Fly: The First Women's Air Race Across America" by renowned youth historical fiction writer Steve Sheinkin, on behalf of my fellow group members Arlene, Lil, Angie, and Andrew.
Where to start...?
At the risk of sounding cliche, I suppose one of the prevailing maxims to come out of this first round of Mighty Smackdown would be:
"good things come to those who wait."
And certainly, all in our group agreed that Ann Braden's "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" certainly took its time in getting to the 'heart and soul' or 'good part(s)', but boy, did it eventually deliver. The novel lays out a painstaking and heartbreaking picture of the protagonist Zoey, who has to deal with, on top of the regular middle school pressures, ever-encroaching poverty, a mom who greatly struggles with self-esteem and the balancing act of single motherhood, and her mom's emotionally sadistic boyfriend.
I think it would be safe to say that all of us have had a student like Zoey, and Lil reminds us that "it is important to make connections with all students and provide a safe spot for them...and not scurry away, camoflaged like the elusive octopus." Arlene, in her wisdom of all things literary, was quick to point out that this book might be more compelling choice for our young readers, with Andrew specifically suggesting an ideal audience of fifth and sixth graders. Meanwhile, Angie noted that kids would build their sense of awareness and empathy for their peers who don't enjoy things most of us take for granted.
And me? I was personally surprised and emboldened by the advice that Zoey's teacher offered to her, when it came down to flicking that switch going from hopelessness to tenacity: "suck it up." Not exactly the height of eloquence or sensitivity, but certainly poignant and, if taken well, inspiring. All in all, we were all taken with the main character and the message of the book, despite the slowness of the beginning.
And then there was "Born to Fly."
Everyone seemed to enjoy aspects of the book...
- It spoke to my early love of planes and attending air shows at CFB Lancaster (as it was then called)
- Arlene couldn't put it down and reminded her of an elementary research project on the Wright Brothers
- Lil recognized the power of a story that buoyed female courage and determination, often in the face of very harsh and cruel resistance, and continues to inspire in modern-day female pilots and leaders
- Andrew read a whole bunch in one sitting—which evidently is hard for him to do. 😉
- Angie admitted there was some pretty valuable information in it (can anyone say Grade 6 Flight unit, haha?)
...and yet, no one was able to give a ringing endorsement. Lil was convinced it would only appeal to a limited audience, while Andrew did not enjoy the novel's lack of plot and predictable recalling of events during the race. Arlene was surprised that no one had selected the book, even after a positive book talk with her students. Angie found it straight up boring. I rather enjoyed it overall, but I think it paled in comparison to the personal and emotional connection that "Octopus" was able to inspire in all of us.
So, with that...
"close, but no cigar."
FINAL VERDICT: "Octopus" by a tentacle (or a country mile).
On The Lighter Side...
Andrew, ABM's venerable junior high educator of all things political, sociological, and historical, was all too eager to point out the fact that "the social studies teach is the bright light in the story [The Benefit of Being an Octopus] is...not lost on me." Which brings me to my final maxim of the entry:
"there's always one."
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