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Book Review of Olive's Ocean

Olive's Ocean
Olive's Ocean
Author: Kevin Henkes
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


The fundamental criteria which I look for when reading is whether or not the book speaks the truth. "Olive's Ocean" is an excellent idea and one can say well written, at times. However, it eludes me as to why this book was given a Newberry Medal of Honor. I have a hard time understanding why books which address the issues of a young adult reader, can't be written honestly and without pretense. The protagonist's relationship with her grandmother simply doesn't ring true along with most of the book. In an effort to be relevant to young adult lives, a great book must first and foremost always tell the truth and not coddle or pander in such a flagrant fashion.