#1 in Olive's Ocean Series
Olives Ocean
on Goodreads (14,352)
What’s inside...
The story revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Martha Boyle, who is given a page of a journal that belonged to Olive Barstow, a classmate who recently died in a car accident. Reading the entry, she learns Olive wished to be her friend and also dreamed of seeing the ocean. This leads Martha on a personal journey as she begins to explore her feelings about life, death and the power of dreams.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Martha's feelings about Olive change throughout the story, and what caused these changes?
What does the ocean symbolize in the story, and how do different characters relate to it?
In what ways does Martha grow or change by the end of the book? Can you relate to her experiences?
What role does family play in the book, and how does it affect Martha’s decisions and feelings?
How do the secrets in the story influence relationships and events? Have you ever kept a secret like Martha?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book's themes, such as loss, growth, or family dynamics, to set a reflective tone.
Encourage your child to think about the symbolic meanings in the book, like the ocean, by asking what other symbols they noticed.
Relate discussions to your child’s experiences, asking if they have ever felt similar emotions or situations as Martha.
Highlight the importance of understanding and empathy by discussing how different characters handle complex feelings.
Praise your child's insights to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the story's lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Olive's Ocean', the protagonist, Martha, learns about the life and dreams of a classmate, Olive, after her tragic death. This prompts Martha to reflect on her own relationships and the people around her.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and understand the feelings and aspirations of their peers, fostering deeper connections and interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: The impact of words and actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Martha experiences and observes various interactions within her family and with friends that demonstrate the weight words and actions can carry.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider the consequences of their behaviors and the importance of thoughtful communication with others.
Example Lesson: Grieving and healing
Explanation: The theme of grief is explored through Martha's response to Olive's death and how she processes her emotions, ultimately finding a path to healing.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the natural process of grief and the importance of expressing emotions and seeking support during tough times.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Martha’s journey in the book includes moments of introspection which lead her to discover more about herself and her future aspirations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from this by understanding that self-reflection is a healthy part of growing up, helping them to identify their own strengths, weaknesses, and dreams.