49 pages 1 hour read

Olive's Ocean

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

Kevin Henkes

Olive's Ocean

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Martha's Vineyard • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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Super Short Summary

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes tells the story of 12-year-old Martha Boyle, who spends summers with her grandmother in Florida. After receiving a diary entry from the mother of her deceased classmate Olive, Martha learns that Olive admired her and shared her passion for writing and the ocean. Throughout the summer, Martha reflects on Olive's life, finds commonalities, and discovers new dimensions of herself.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes is a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates with readers through its deep emotional exploration and beautifully crafted prose. Praised for its sensitive portrayal of grief and self-discovery, some critics note its slower pace may not suit all readers. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its authenticity and heartfelt narrative. Henkes, Kevin. Olive's Ocean. Greenwillow Books, 2003.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Olive's Ocean?

Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories like Bridge to Terabithia and Walk Two Moons will appreciate Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes. Ideal for middle-grade readers, this novel explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery, making it perfect for those who relish heartfelt, introspective narratives.

Character List

Martha Boyle

A thoughtful 12-year-old girl who is the protagonist, navigating personal discoveries and relationships during a summer visit to her grandmother's in Cape Cod.

The titular character whose posthumous journal entry influences Martha, leaving a lasting impact on her journey and goals.

Martha’s wise, understanding grandmother, with whom she forms a strong bond during her summer stay in Cape Cod.

A boy Martha initially develops a romantic interest in, who later becomes a source of conflict for her.

Jimmy's brother, seen as honorable and trustworthy by Martha, who provides support in contrast to Jimmy’s deceptive actions.

Martha’s older brother, who provides humor and sibling rivalry, yet shares close bedtime conversations with her.

Martha’s father, who has shifted from being a lawyer to a stay-at-home dad trying to write a novel.

Martha’s mother, whose relationship with Martha can be intense, swinging rapidly between love and frustration.

Martha’s two-year-old sister, representing consistency in the family and playing a role in Martha's introspective moments.

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Martha's Vineyard • Contemporary

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

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