Using a simple ⁵He+\alpha cluster model of ⁹Be we are able to obtain good agreement with the measured values of the ground-state quadrupole moment and B (E2; 3/2^- \rightarrow 5/2^-) and B (E2; 3/2^- \rightarrow 7/2^-). We use this simple model to fit elastic scattering data in 3-channel coupled-channels calculations and produce predictions for the angular distribution of the breakup of ⁹Be via the 5/2^- resonant state at 2.43 MeV.

PACS numbers: 21.60.Gx, 24.10.Eq, 25.70.Bc