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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I hate to say it, but I expected more from this. This will never erase my love for Kevin Henkes, though. I think I saw this was a banned book, so I wrongly expected much more depth or more of an elaborate story. As usual, I’m aware I’m not the intended audience, but still, didn’t FULLY love. The ending I did, though...
This is the second adolescent book I have read that deals with death (the other is Each Little Bird That Sings), and I have been equally impressed with both. This particular story is a serious tale of a girl facing some very adult questions. Henkes manages to remain true to her 12-year old soul while allowing her at the same time to grow and face life. It's a heart-warming and uplifting story that has helped heal a little of my own soul in facing the hardness of life.
This book is one of my absolute favorites. The story line is simple. The characters are just like any ordinary people, living ordinary lives. This book makes you think from a different perspective. I really like it. :)
Year Published: 2003
Awards Won: Newbery Honor
Reading Level: 11-13
The main character, Martha, struggles with some of life’s preteen difficulties after learning about the death of a classmate named Olive. As Martha attempts to cope with her family and a painful first crush, she often finds herself wondering about Olive, and the friendship they could have had. Martha also sees her life and experiences as they might be through Olive’s eyes.
Awards Won: Newbery Honor
Reading Level: 11-13
The main character, Martha, struggles with some of life’s preteen difficulties after learning about the death of a classmate named Olive. As Martha attempts to cope with her family and a painful first crush, she often finds herself wondering about Olive, and the friendship they could have had. Martha also sees her life and experiences as they might be through Olive’s eyes.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Was interested to read this book, as it is often on banned books lists. Complaints of "explicit sex" apparently referred to a teenage boy character's guess that his parents were kissing because they'd had sex recently.
Has a few swear words (adding this purely for readers advisory questions)
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Martha is reeling over a fellow classmate’s death. Olive was the weird quirky kid, who everyone talked about and no one was friends with. However, after her death Martha begins to contemplate who Olive really was. She decides that the two are more alike than she ever could have imagined, and that they could have been great friends. Martha and her family go away to her grandmother’s house by the sea for summer vacation. She continues to try to be more daring, while striking up a summer romance.
This is a coming of age novel, nothing great, but standard.
This is a coming of age novel, nothing great, but standard.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A