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192 reviews for:

Olive's Ocean

Kevin Henkes

3.66 AVERAGE


Wow what a boring book.

This gentle read is nevertheless packed with several powerful messages. When a quiet, lonely girl dies accidentally, her classmate, Martha, learns more about her and some values they had in common such as wanting to become writers. The girl was harassed, however, and soon Martha will learn what this feels like when a boy she cares about uses her. Martha is determined to honor this girl's spirit and in the process she honors her own.

a wonderful book. complex in just the way a children's story should be; heartbreaking and uplifting and just good storytelling.
hopeful reflective
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

Martha dreams of being an author, but will her family drive her crazy? What about Olive, a girl who was killed…

i so loved this book and it was really sad but i love it

this was 10 year old Katy’s favorite book. I have remembered it being my favorite book since I read it the first time, except it couldn’t recall what the story even consisted of. Now I have so many questions for little Katy.

Much to consider.

Sometimes your biggest impression is the one you leave behind.

I loved this book. Beautifully and simply written. Henkes is probably one of my top 5 children's books writer/illustrator. This was a longer story. Such a warm, rich story about a 12 y/o girl who is growing up and learning about loss, growth, gratitude...you name it is in this book. I will need to buy this because it is one of those books that reminds me to be gentle with myself and others.

Martha had seen Olive but they were not friends. After Olive dies in an accident Martha learns that she and Olive have been keeping the same secret.