Olive's Ocean

Focus on the significance of the title. Why does Henkes call the book Olive’s Ocean even though Martha is the main character and protagonist? How does Henkes's choice to make Olive Barstow the titular character connect to the theme of Identity and Self-Discovery?

Unpack the many layers of selflessness in Martha’s character. Talk about what changes, what stays the same, and what events alter the definition of selflessness.

What kind of young person is Martha? What characteristics best describe her, and how do these traits manifest in the novel?