Book details
Olive's Ocean: A Newbery Honor Award Winner
Published in
2003
Description
A brilliant, touching coming-of-age story, and a Newbery Honor Book.Martha Boyle and Olive Barstow could have been friends, but they weren't. Weeks after a tragic accident, all that is left are eerie connections between the two girls, former classmates who both kept the same secret without knowing it.Now, even while on vacation at the ocean, Martha can't stop thinking about Olive. Things only get more complicated when Martha begins to like Jimmy Manning, a neighbor boy she used to despise. What is going on? Can life for Martha be the same ever again?Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including: Billy Miller Makes a WishBird Lake MoonThe Birthday RoomJunoniaOlive's OceanProtecting MarieSun & SpoonSweeping Up the HeartTwo Under ParWords of StoneThe Year of Billy MillerThe Zebra Wall
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
224 pages
Why to read
- Emotional Depth: 'Olive's Ocean' delves into complex emotions and experiences such as grief, self-discovery, and the challenges of adolescence, providing readers with a rich, emotional narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
- Award-Winning Literature: As a Newbery Honor book, 'Olive's Ocean' has been recognized for its literary merit, ensuring readers that they are engaging with a high-quality, critically acclaimed work that has been celebrated for its storytelling and thematic depth.
- Character Development: The protagonist, Martha Boyle, is a well-crafted character whose journey throughout the book offers readers insights into personal growth and the nuances of human relationships, making it a compelling read for those interested in character-driven stories.
- Engaging Writing Style: Kevin Henkes is known for his engaging and accessible writing style, which makes 'Olive's Ocean' a pleasure to read. His ability to capture the subtleties of life and the inner workings of his characters' minds will keep readers absorbed from beginning to end.