Summary

Fifth grader Olivia Thomas has moved to a new school in a new state.  To help ease the transition, Olivia’s grandmother gives her a chaplet and introduces her to St. Therese of Lisieux.  With her heavenly friend at her side, Olivia learns what it means to follow “The Little Way”. Following the Little Way isn’t always easy, though, and Olivia makes a bad decision. With her grandmothers help, Olivia re-finds the Little Way and discovers how sacrifice and love can change everything!

Review

Olivia and the Little Way is a heartwarming story that engages the soul. A sweet, wholesome tale that manages to weave the “Little Way” into any young girls heart in a very relevant way.

What You Need to Know

• Role Models/Authority Figures – Olivia’s has a strong, two-parent family home. Her parents are loving, but firm, and punish when necessary. Actions have consequences.
• Violence – Olivia, Haley, and Sabrina are mean (teasing and throwing candy at his window) to Chad. All three of them, however, later apologize and they become friends.
• Sexual Content – We see (but never together) that Haley’s older brother has a girlfriend.
• Language – None.
• Consumerism – There is mention of the real books, “Story of a Soul”, “Little House on the Prairie”, and “Reflections of St. Therese of the Child Jesus”.
• Drinking/Smoking/Drugs – None.
• Religion – Olivia and her family are Catholic and go to mass. Olivia goes to a Catholic school headed by a very loving nun. Catholocism is portrayed accurately and reverently.
• Other – The Sacrament of Reconciliation is pointedly absent. Not even a mention of it.
• Awards – 2nd place Catholic Press Award 2009