Olive's Ocean: A Newbery Honor Award Winner
Newbery Medal - Honors Title(s) Series
on Goodreads (14,454)
What’s inside...
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 Wish, Bird Lake Moon, The Birthday Room, Junonia, Olive's Ocean, Protecting Marie, Sun & Spoon, Sweeping Up the Heart, Two Under Par, Words of Stone, The Year of Billy Miller, The Zebra Wall.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Martha Boyle
Tate Manning
Vince Boyle
Godbee
Jimmy Manning
Vincent Boyle
Discussion points
How do you think Olive felt when she learned new things about herself and others?
What do you think was the most important lesson Martha learned during her summer?
Why do you think the author chose the ocean as a significant part of the story?
How did Martha's relationships with her family and friends change throughout the book?
What would you do if you were in Martha's shoes in some of the situations she faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Martha's situations, fostering a deeper understanding of the character's emotions.
Highlight the importance of personal growth and learning through others’ experiences as demonstrated in the book.
Discuss the symbolism of the ocean in the story and how it relates to Martha's feelings and experiences.
Use examples from the book to talk about the complexities of friendships and family relationships, guiding your child to reflect on their own relationships.
After discussing each question, relate their thoughts back to their personal experiences to help them connect with the story on a personal level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Olive's Ocean,' protagonist Martha Boyle learns to understand and share the feelings of others, as she delves deep into Olive's journal and imagines the life and dreams of the girl who passed away.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings and perspectives of their peers, fostering a nurturing social environment both at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Martha explores her own aspirations and talents, particularly in writing, which helps her connect more deeply with Olive's aspirations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in self-reflection and explore their own interests and dreams, guiding their personal development.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The book addresses dealing with the loss of a peer through the character of Olive, providing a sensitive exploration of grief from a child's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's healthy to grieve and understand that memories and legacies of loved ones can be honored in meaningful ways.
Example Lesson: The Value of Family
Explanation: Martha's interactions and relationships with her family members are pivotal in her emotional growth and coping with complex feelings during her summer transformations.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of family support and communication, encouraging children to appreciate and engage with their own families.