Olive's Ocean

Henkes, Kevin. (2003) New York: HarperCollins Publisher's Inc. 0-06-053545-8

PLOT SUMMARY

Twelve year old Martha is deeply affected by a journal entry of Olive, a girl killed in a car accident. During her vacation to the Atlantic Ocean, she experiences her first kiss, learns a little about herself, what she wants in life, what she wants to be, and also makes the decision to bring back a little of the ocean for Olive, a girl she hardly knew.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Short chapters make this book a quick read. Narrative passages are quick and dotted with lots of dialog to engage the reader. Martha's relationship with her grandmother is integral to her development since she not only inspires, but also respects her. There is the typical sibling rivalry between Martha and her older brother, but she exhibits a nurturing, motherly attitude toward her younger sister. Characters are well developed, each one with idiosyncracies that make them both human and believable.

READER'S ANNOTATION

When twelve year old Martha receives a page from the journal of a dead girl she hardly knew, she starts to wonder about herself. What about her made this girl want to be better friends when they barely even spoke to each other? When she goes on vacation to the Atlantic Ocean, she realizes that she wants to be a writer, and understands that her experiences during that trip--love, first kiss, near death experiences--are tools to help her in the process.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Henkes became an author-illustrator at the age of 19 after establishing a relationship with Greenwillow books in New York City. He has written books for young children (Chrysanthemum) as well as those for teens. His book Olive's Ocean won the Newberry Medal in 2004.

GENRE

Realistic Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

English

What is Martha doing to develop her writing skills? Have students create lists of skills necessary to be a good writer. Extend that to a list of skills necessary to be a good at any other job. Be specific.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

Emphasize conflicts between siblings/parents that readers can relate to.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

12-18

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Language (used "shitty" once) and reference to adult behavior ("MSB" = morning sex behavior.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Library policies against censorhip. Language is incidental (only found it in one place and the reference to "MSB" is brief. The reaction of character is in keeping with a tween (embarrassment.)

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK

The themes are universal: heartbreak, discovery of self, importance of family.