Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes (0-06-053543-1)
When Henkes is not charming us with the mice in his picturebooks, he is amazing us with the depth of his characterization in his books for older children. Martha, the 12-year-old protagonist, is learning a lot during two weeks of her summer. She learns about wanting to be a writer, about her relationship with her grandmother, about cruelty, and about bravery.
This book will be enjoyed by girls in particular as they watch Martha sort through some confusing times in her summer. It is a story driven more by character than by action, leaving the reader with a quiet, serene ending that is as refreshing as an ocean breeze.