Olive's Ocean (by Kevin Henkes)
common sense media says
Gentle, moving coming-of-age story.
parents & educators say
- 50% say it's educational
- 33% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a gentle story about coming to grips with mortality and the implications of death. Martha is a curious, perceptive, and aware protagonist, and her questions throughout the story are what drive the plot. There's not too much controversial material: teens swear, parents have sex, Martha has her first kiss. Martha also deals with many issues that could prompt family discussions: the death of a classmate, an angry parent, an aging grandparent, first love, and betrayal.
Educational value:
Martha deals with many issues that could prompt family discussions: the
death of a classmate, an angry parent, an aging grandparent, first love,
and betrayal.
death of a classmate, an angry parent, an aging grandparent, first love,
and betrayal.
Positive role models:
Martha's questions throughout the story are what drive the plot. She is curious, perceptive, and aware.
Violence:
Not really an issue. One of Martha's classmates is killed in an accident.
Sex:
Parents having sex is mentioned. Martha has her first kiss.
Language:
Some teens swear.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on Olive's Ocean
Review It
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
- 50% say it's educational
- 33% say there are positive messages
Most useful reviews by all members
Tlore
adult
adult
Nothing Out of the Ordinary in Olive's Ocean
I read the book for an assignment in college, and because it was listed on the banned books list, I thought it was going to be worse than what it was. The book had mild language issues, and one scene where sex is openly mentioned, but otherwise nothing that I would consider to be anywhere near inappropriate for young minds who are looking for ways of expressing themselves. In fact, I wish I would have read this book as a child because I believe it would have accelerated my thoughts of becoming a writer and made it seem like a more attainable goal in my mind. With these facts in mind, I would have no problem using this book in my curriculum or having it in my classroom library if I were a teacher. It was well written and had a positive message, I recommend it.
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ms0504
adult
adult
Issues kids can relate to
As a teacher, I love that there are issues throughout the book. Whether we like it or not, children deal with many issues. We can't take a book and say it isn't suitable. Children hear and see a lot more than you may think. Books like this allow them to think about issues and learn from the characters. The main character is a great role model.
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bookchick
parent of and 11 , 13 , 13 year old
parent of and 11 , 13 , 13 year old
I must totally disagree w/ the parent review above. Although Olive's Ocean does have some mild curse words, and one suggestive line, it is the other 99.9% of the book that I choose to focus on. It portrays an average 12-yr old coming to terms w/ growing up, love and mortality. The messages are positive and heartfelt. Anyone focusing on anything else it totally missing the message and point of this entire piece of literature. Hyper sensitive reviewing is what gives the entire reviewing process a bad name and very hard to really know the nature of a story. Please leave the genuine BAD reviews to the violent, graphic, depressing, dark, disturbing and sexual stories that *truly* deserve them. Parents - Olive's Ocean is a wonderful story for your children - age 10 and up will be able to appreciate and understand.
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Vampriccat
adult
adult
Great
I really enjoyed this book, but the downside for young children is that there are bad role models and bad language.
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Love Reader
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
I read the book in 7th grade and it is a very interesting book. It deals with things we are going through as young teens. Martha is like any other 12 year old girl who goes through the same things we do: relationships, family hatred, friendships, betrayal, and love. I recommend this to any person who is going trough any of these difficulties.
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love1736
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
A MUST READ BOOK. {ages 10 and up}
I loved this book. I could read it a again, again, but unfortinaly it was a libray book so I had to take it back. I even let my mom read some of it a within a couple of chapters, she was love'n it !
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big booty girl
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
i like it . Its a very intresting story nothing bad really
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didi44
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
It is a great book
I forgot my book in my class so I was finding a review online.
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harrypottergirl
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
I loved this book. I also think that the sex is not as big an issue as they make it seem. Martha's older brother just mentioned once that her parents had sex earlier.And the kiss is not described.
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TouchingSweetly
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Love,& Death
It touches those hearts whose lost someone and give a clue on how the healing process worked for Martha
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onoffon
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
very chill book
I loved this book. The plot is easy to follow, and the characters are written in a way that you can relate to one, if not all, of them. This novel gives a positive message about a girl who was always nice to another (late) girl in her class, and that it made her day. It's very important for us to take in account this novel, and think, maybe just maybe, if we exchange a smile or some kind words, we might make someone else's day... maybe even their life. The strongest word this book uses is the S word. There's not a lot of romance, and what is there isn't overwhelming. Overall, a great read for people of all ages! (:
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joshie11832001
parent of and 7 , 9 , 11 , 16 , 24 year old
parent of and 7 , 9 , 11 , 16 , 24 year old
watch out!
Olive's ocean is a well written book and it certainllly will make you stop and realize that life isn't just about you. But, this book has a multitude of curse words, sexual references, and constant disrespect for parents. Even though the book may have a good message, it is so tainted with profanity and disrespect for autority that I would not recommend it especially younger more impressionable grades. Signed, concerned teacher and mother.
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booksense135
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
A wonderful must read book.
Well I think this book is a good book. I'm 12 and I read this book for a book project in school and in the book they barley mention sex or kissing, It all happens in one sentence. There is no violence in this book and there are many good messages in this book.
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alissa_morgan
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
A must read for 5th grade and up!
Well written, the more you read the harder it is to put it back down. Very heartwarming and eye-opening. Life, Death, Romance, and life changing experiences all take place in this one book.
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dana m.
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
A powerful, emotional masterpiece
When I picked up this book at the bookstore, I intended to read the first couple of pages to see if I wanted to get it. I couldn't stop. I finished it right then and there. And still, I am haunted by the emotional power that Kevin Henkes (author) displays in his writing. Many books these days are about abnormal children. This books was not. Martha (main character) is totally, completely normal and I liked that. I would suggest this book to any preteen or teen that is ready for an emotional whollop and powerful, beautiful read.
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allimarie94
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
perfect for kids starting junior high
i loved it...im a freshman and i had to pick a book at our school library...i thought "okay cool title ill get it i guess." after i read it though it was the best...deffinately not what i thought it would be...it was soo much better. i am so greatful that my teacher had me pick out a book to read
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Teen_Reviewer
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Perfect for Tweens and up
I absolutely love this book! The content is wonderful and I feel there are lessons that can be learned from this book.
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