The Benefits of Being an Octopus

by Ann Braden

  I am grateful to all the conversations and voices that helped me make this book as honest as I could. I am grateful to those who were willing to share their stories in all the books and first-person accounts that I read. I am grateful to (and in awe of) those who are standing on the front lines working to create a world where everyone is respected and safe: Donna Macomber, Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Auburn Watersong, Clai Lasher-Sommers, Elissa Pine, Sharon Panitch, Melissa Weinstein, and so many others. They are brave, and they channel a powerful, fierce love in everything they do.

  I am grateful to the gun owners who have helped me understand the complexities of gun issues, especially the students who told me about their great hunting trips and Ryan Hockertlotz who showed me how to shoot.

  There are incredible writers who have made this book better, been a support network, and served as an ongoing source of inspiration … I am thankful for Tara Dairman, Elaine Vickers, Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, Jessica Lawson, Joy McCullough, Tamara Ellis Smith, Kari Anne Holt, Jeannie Mobley, Jennifer Stewart, Kip Wilson, Josephine Cameron, and Sarah Ellis … for their honesty, for their vulnerability, and for their brilliance. And for the entire EMLA family who believed in me and told me I was a writer.

  I am grateful to the incredible librarians I’ve worked with over the years: Brenda Durrin, Ellen Nosal, Mary Linney, Paige Martin, Lindsay Bellville, Jeanne Walsh, and Starr Latronica. I liked books a lot when I was a kid, but I didn’t love them … until I met all of you. And to all of those in the Nerdy Book Club community, between your love for books and your love for children you’re making such positive change in the world. Please keep fanning those flames—because it’s contagious.

  I am grateful for Kirsten Cappy, who shaped pivotal moments in this story and inspires me with her determination to make the world a better place by getting good books into readers’ hands.

  I am indebted to my editor, Becky Herrick, for her vision, her steady hand, and her devotion to these characters and the core of this story. This book would not be the book it is without her.

  Whenever you fly your heart out into the world, it’s so helpful to have people who believe in you no matter what, who can provide the firm ground that forms your launching pad. I am so thankful to have my agent Tricia Lawrence at my side. She gave me the courage to approach this story with honesty first and to let everything else follow.

  I do not have enough words to thank my husband Dan, who has cheered me on at every turn and been so supportive of my need to write. He is both my rock and my source for the deep belly laughs that restore my soul.

  I would like to thank my children, Ethan and Alice, for all the times they’ve been patient with me when I “just have to finish this sentence” and for inspiring me to write toward a better world.

  Finally, this book is dedicated to my mom, who raised me by herself and taught me how much strength there can be below the surface of a person. She is the steady bow that sent my arrow flying.

  To single parents everywhere doing the best they can for their kids …

  To the young people who are speaking up for what’s right, even when it’s hard …

  You are heroes.