The Benefits of Being an Octopus follows the life of Zoey, a seventh-grader living in a trailer park in rural Vermont. Her life is far from easy: she's responsible for caring for her three younger siblings while her mother works long hours to support them, and her new boyfriend, Lenny, doesn't contribute to the family's well-being but adds to the chaos and stress.
Zoey's fascination with octopuses offers an escape from her challenging reality. She admires the creatures' intelligence, resilience, and unique abilities to blend in and defend themselves—traits that she wishes she could adopt. Amidst all the chaos of her life, Zoey struggles with school, finding it hard to complete her homework or actively participate due to her numerous responsibilities at home.
An opportunity for change presents itself when Zoey's social studies teacher, Ms. Rochambeau, encourages her to join the school debate club. Although Zoey is initially hesitant, believing it to be a pursuit for wealthier kids, she eventually joins. In the debate club, Zoey learns to express her thoughts and views. Through her research, she begins to understand her family's financial predicament and the social structures contributing to it.
In the meantime, things at home worsen with Lenny's increasing control over the family. Zoey's mother seems unable to assert herself against Lenny, culminating in a tense situation where Lenny threatens Zoey's mother with a gun. This dangerous incident is a turning point for Zoey, who summons the courage to call the police and stand up to Lenny.
By the end of the novel, Zoey's life has started to improve. Her mother breaks up with Lenny, and they move into a women's shelter. Zoey continues participating in the debate club, standing up for her beliefs and arguing for a more equitable system supporting families like hers.
