Book Studies

The Benefits of Being an Octopus- Book Study

• 10 Hours

Course Description: Engage in a collaborative journey as you experience how middle-level literature can provide a window into (or mirror reflecting) the challenges of poverty, gun violance, and domestic abuse that so many children in the United States navigate each day. In The Benefits of Being an Octopus, Ann Braden shares the story of seventh-grader, Zoey, as she finds her voice and her strength despite the many adult-level responsibilities and complexities of choice and power she faces. In this book study, you will begin by learning a bit about the author and exploring some surface-level data about the prominance of poverty and domestic abuse in the households of American students. Next, you will read the book on your own and complete the book reflection guide in this PEARL course. Finally, you will return for a post-reading discussion where we will use your reflections to engage in meaningful conversations about the topics in the book and how they relate to and can be used with students.  

Learning Hours: Members who complete this course receive 10 HOURS of Act 48 and/or a certificate that may apply for Chapter 14 hours. Your employer has sole discretion to determine if this course qualifies for Chapter 14 hours. These hours breakdown as follows: