Publishers Weekly
A journal entry of a classmate killed in an accident sends 12-year-old Martha on an unintended pilgrimage. In our Best Books citation, PW wrote, "Readers witness Martha's maturation as she appreciates life anew and finds a way to give something back to Olive." Ages 10-up. (May) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-As Martha and her family prepare for their annual summer visit to New England, the mother of her deceased classmate comes to their door. Olive Barstow was killed by a car a month earlier, and the woman wants to give Martha a page from her daughter's journal. In this single entry, the 12-year-old learns more about her shy classmate than she ever knew: Olive also wanted to be a writer; she wanted to see the ocean, just as Martha soon will; and she hoped to get to know Martha Boyle as "she is the nicest person in my whole entire class." Martha cannot recall anything specific she ever did to make Olive think this, but she's both touched and awed by their commonalities. She also recognizes that if Olive can die, so can she, so can anybody, a realization later intensified when Martha herself nearly drowns. At the Cape, Martha is again reminded that things in her life are changing. She experiences her first kiss, her first betrayal, and the glimmer of a first real boyfriend, and her relationship with Godbee, her elderly grandmother, allows her to examine her intense feelings, aspirations, concerns, and growing awareness of self and others. Rich characterizations move this compelling novel to its satisfying and emotionally authentic conclusion. Language is carefully formed, sometimes staccato, sometimes eloquent, and always evocative to create an almost breathtaking pace. Though Martha remains the focus, others around her become equally realized, including Olive, to whom Martha ultimately brings the ocean.-Maria B. Salvadore, formerly at District of Columbia Public Library Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
On her family's Cape Cod vacation, Martha is haunted by a journal entry left by a dead classmate. Olive, an unremarkable loner, hoped to have Martha ("the nicest girl in the class") as a friend. This summer 12-year-old Martha is noticing her grandmother's aging, experiencing adolescent alienation from her affectionate family, and feeling the self-consciousness of yearning for her neighbor Jimmy. Jimmy, 14 and an aspiring filmmaker, surprises Martha with his attentions, inquires whether she has ever been kissed, and asks to film her for his video. Their kiss captured on film, as it turns out, is the result of a wager. Well-plotted, the working out of Martha's feelings of humiliation, her renewed connection to family, and her final gesture towards the dead Olive are effected with originality and grace. Henkes's characters never lack for the inner resilience that comes from a grounding in the ultimate decency of family. Characters and setting are painted in with the deft strokes of an experienced artist. Few girls will fail to recognize themselves in Martha. (Fiction. 10-13)
From the Publisher
The ever versatile Kevin Henkes dazzles with this spare yet profoundly touching coming-of-age novel.” — Family Fun Magazine
“An eloquent journey into adolescence.” — Florida Times-Union
“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)
“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 beautifully defined characters, events, and emotions that will tug at your heart, this novel is flawless.” — Daily Item
Florida Times-Union
An eloquent journey into adolescence.
Family Fun Magazine
The ever versatile Kevin Henkes dazzles with this spare yet profoundly touching coming-of-age novel.
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Henkes’s story is subtle and satisfyingly untidy. Grabs you right from the start.
Daily Item
With beautifully defined characters, events, and emotions that will tug at your heart, this novel is flawless.
KLIATT (starred review)
Martha Boyle is one of the memorable 12–year–old girls of fiction, smart, confused, compassionate.
Seattle Times
Lyrically written.
