Haunted by her physical likeness to an aunt who died before she was born, the author developed an early sense of identification with Octavia, feeling almost as if she were her aunt reincarnated. Many of the poems are based on old family letters and photographs and information gleaned from the author's visit to Guthrie, OK. Following the poems are family photographs and biographies.

Octavia was co-winner of the 1988 Creative Achievement Award sponsored by the College Language Association and the subject of a documentary film, A Poet's Voice (Vander Films), which won a Gold Apple Award of Excellence from the National Educational Media Network. Octavia was also made required reading in all Detroit public high schools.