Reviews

Olive's Ocean CD by Kevin Henkes

julied1964's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

gogowhatwhat's review against another edition

3.0

This is the second Henkes chapter book I have read. There are definite themes: the ocean, children's relationships with adults, and the power of the internal world we create. I find his books to be pretty moody and above most children's emotional level. I get the distinct feeling that adults like these books because they are an adult's view about how childhood is... Maybe I was a dolt as a child, but I really don't remember having such a grasp on the subtle emotional world around me, as Henkes characters tend to... Anyhow, it's well written, and moves quickly, and I think it would appeal to a certain type of serious, introverted, mature young person. Note to parents: there is ONE swear and ONE kiss.

halirose's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

norna28's review against another edition

4.0

This story is about a young woman named Martha who is 13. Martha is a sweet girl who is trying to find her place not only in the world but also in her family. A girl,Olive, from her school has recently died from an accident and Martha is trying to understand what is death and life and what Olive would have been like. She and her family travel to the coast to visit her grandmother. While on this vacation Martha comes to understand a bit of what life is, who her grandmother is, as well as what love is. Martha is a quirky red-head who is trying to understand what life is and where she belongs in it.
I thought this book was fun. Kevin Henkes brings so much personality and quirkness not only in Martha but in all of his characters. Henkes style of writing and portraying his characters and setting was well done. I enjoyed this quirky tale and all of Henkes characters in it.

blakehalsey's review against another edition

5.0

This is the second adolescent book I have read that deals with death (the other is Each Little Bird That Sings), and I have been equally impressed with both. This particular story is a serious tale of a girl facing some very adult questions. Henkes manages to remain true to her 12-year old soul while allowing her at the same time to grow and face life. It's a heart-warming and uplifting story that has helped heal a little of my own soul in facing the hardness of life.

hannahhannahbanana's review against another edition

4.0

This book is one of my absolute favorites. The story line is simple. The characters are just like any ordinary people, living ordinary lives. This book makes you think from a different perspective. I really like it. :)

mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition

4.0

Year Published: 2003
Awards Won: Newbery Honor
Reading Level: 11-13


The main character, Martha, struggles with some of life’s preteen difficulties after learning about the death of a classmate named Olive. As Martha attempts to cope with her family and a painful first crush, she often finds herself wondering about Olive, and the friendship they could have had. Martha also sees her life and experiences as they might be through Olive’s eyes.

ashley_gilson's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

turrean's review against another edition

4.0

Was interested to read this book, as it is often on banned books lists. Complaints of "explicit sex" apparently referred to a teenage boy character's guess that his parents were kissing because they'd had sex recently.

the_knitting_librarian's review against another edition

3.0

Has a few swear words (adding this purely for readers advisory questions)