Olive's Ocean - by Kevin Henkes (Paperback)

About the Book

This exquisite "New York Times" bestselling coming-of-age story--a Newbery Honor Book and an ALA Notable Children's Book--is now available in paperback.

Book Synopsis

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 WishBird Lake MoonThe Birthday RoomJunoniaOlive's OceanProtecting MarieSun & SpoonSweeping Up the HeartTwo Under ParWords of StoneThe Year of Billy MillerThe Zebra Wall

From the Back Cover

Sometimes life can change in an instant

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?

Review Quotes

"Another lovely, character-driven novel that explores, with rare subtlety and sensitivity, the changes and perplexities that haunt every child's growing-up process. Will stick with readers." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"Characters and setting are painted in with the deft strokes of an experienced artisit. Few girls will fail to recognize themselves in Martha." - Kirkus Reviews
"Henkes has a jeweler's touch, strong and delicate. All of Henke's strengths as a fiction writer are given wonderful play here." --Horn Book (starred review) - Horn Book Magazine
"Another lovely, character-driven novel that explores, with rare subtlety and sensitivity, the changes and perplexities that haunt every child's growing-up process. Will stick with readers." - ALA Booklist
"With beautifully defined characters, events, and emotions that will tug at your heart, this novel is flawless." - Daily Item
"With his usual sensitivity and insight, Henkes explores key issues of adolescence." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Lyrically written." - Seattle Times
"Rich characterizations move this compelling novel to its satisfying and emotionally authentic conclusion." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Henkes's story is subtle and satisfyingly untidy. Grabs you right from the start." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"With his usual sensitivity and insight, Henkes explores key issues of adolescence." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"The ever versatile Kevin Henkes dazzles with this spare yet profoundly touching coming-of-age novel." - Family Fun Magazine
"Henkes has a jeweler's touch, strong and delicate. All of Henkes's strengths as a fiction writer are given wonderful play here." - Horn Book Magazine (starred review)
"An eloquent journey into adolescence." - Florida Times-Union
"Characters and setting are paintd in with the deft strokes of an experienced artist. Few girls will fail to recognize themselves in Martha." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Few girls will fail to recognize themselves in Martha." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Martha Boyle is one of the memorable 12-year-old girls of fiction, smart, confused, compassionate." - KLIATT (starred review)