Olive's Ocean: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

Great read.

I am a middle school English teacher and mom of three, ages 16, 12 and 7. I am currently revamping our school's summer reading list. I just read this book, hoping to include it on our new reading list. I think it is well written and deals with a number of different issues from the perspective of a 12 year old girl.The author allows us to see things through Martha's eyes, such as death and family relationships.For me, the most gratifying parts of the book were interactions between Martha and her wise and kindly grandmother, affectionately known as "Godbee." I often hesitate to share my recommendations because every child is different. Some are more mature than others so parents need to make decisions with that in mind. I personally feel that "Olive's Ocean" is geared toward readers 12 to 14. There is some profanity ("as#hol#s, shi##y, prick") and a situation where a 14 year old boy bets his brothers and friend that he can get the 12 year old main character, Martha, to kiss him while he films it. She is crushed when she discovers he basically used her to win a bet. This could provoke some good conversations with middle school kids. There is also a description of Martha's parents kissing in the kitchen and she thinks about how her brother refers to this as "MSB"-Morning Sex Behavior. "When they do it in the morning," Vince had informed Martha earlier that summer during one of their nightly chats, "they're all giggling and kissy and weird for at least an hour afterward. It's unmistakable." Although this was a very brief part of the story, I found it to be awkward and not helpful in developing either the story or the sibling relationship. Again, that's just my opinion and I'm sure others may disagree. As with anything, I think parents need to be aware and make informed decisions about what books are best for their kids.

I read this book in the 7th grade. It really stuck with me. I don't remember everything that happened in it, but I remember that I really liked it, and when I was done, I felt a changed. This is the first time I remember feeling this way after I finished reading a book, and now, as an adult, when I read novels, it is a feeling I look for to know that a book is great. That being said, I don't know if I would feel the same way I did as a child if I were to read this book again, but it is definitely a worthwhile read for a child in middle school.

This is an amazing book. I loved it so much. It has bad language so I would recommend anyone 12-and up to read this book. It also has things about sexuality but it is only because of one kiss. This book is definitely a page turner and I can't wait to read more of Kevin Henkes' books!

I am more of an adventure book girl, this was more love based. I would rather read something like Garth Nix, Erin Hunter, or Brandon Mull.

This was one of the best books I have ever read in my whole entire life and the end was amazing to read!

A great emotional story for young girls. Martha's journey to know Olive and herself and her relationship with Vince and the Manning boys is so similar to what adolescent girls go through.

Great condition. Shipped very quickly. Easy transaction and really GREAT read!!