Henkes, K. (2003). Olive's Ocean. Greenwillow Books: New York.
Plot
Olive Barstow was in Martha's class, until she was killed in an hit and run accident while riding her bicycle. After Olive's mother gives Martha a page from her daughters' journal, Martha's life will never be the same as she begins to notice the special similarities between the two girls. Both girls want to be writers, both of them want to see the ocean and both are struggling with their everchaging childhood and adolescence. After reading Olive's journal, Martha realizes the uncertainty of death and that life is worth living to the fullest.
Review
For young adult readers, this book is a powerful look at the affirmation of life and the mysteries of death. Readers don't know Olive, yet her thoughts fill their heads with epiphanies about the uncertainty of life. Henkes words brilliantly, yet subtly, touch on subjects that tweens experience, from first love, preparing for school and the loss and gain of friendships.
Genre
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age
Tweens/4-7th grade/ 9-12 years
Similar Books
Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur
Sun and Spoon- Kevin Henkes
A Corner of the Universe - Ann M. Martin
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