The Benefits of Being an Octopus

Seventh-grader Zoey juggles her responsibilities of caring for her younger siblings while her mom works at a pizza parlor, feeling overlooked by her family and schoolmates alike. Living with her mom and Lenny in a clean trailer, she seeks to avoid the spotlight at school, where her only friend, Fuchsia, is also dealing with challenges. When pushed to join the debate club by a teacher, Zoey begins to reevaluate her relationships and her place in a world where she feels out of place. This experience prompts her to confront difficult truths and consider whether she can find the courage to speak up, potentially jeopardizing her sense of stability.