Out of My Shell

by Jenny Goebel

Normally, Olivia spends all year looking forward to her family's summer vacation in Florida. But not this year. Not when her parents have recently separated, and her father has to stay behind in Colorado. Olivia doesn't know what she'll do all summer without him. They've always been a pair, and she's never felt the same bond with her mother or younger sister.

So Olivia plans to spend the summer laying low, and trying to ignore the hurt gnawing at her heart. But when she learns that the local sea turtle population is in serious risk of dying off because of her neighbor's poorly designed house, she knows she has to do something. She can't just watch the beautiful creatures suffer.

Yet her chances of helping the turtles are slim, and she can't handle any more heartbreak. Will Olivia turn her back on her favorite animal to avoid the pain? Or will she find the courage to stand up for the turtles, and maybe heal herself in the process?

Genres: Middle Grade, Divorce, Childrens, Family, Summer, Animals, Realistic Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2019

About the author

Jenny Goebel is the author of GRAVE IMAGES, a forthcoming middle grade novel from Scholastic (Nov 1,2013).

She lives just outside of Denver, and if she's not hiking up a mountain or mothering, or doing both simultaneously, she's probably sitting at her computer writing.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was young, my dad died and my family was shockingly, suddenly changed; in Out of My Shell, the main character mirrored so many of my thoughts and reactions. Although Olivia’s family was altered through divorce and not death, Goebel’s portrayal of the inner struggle to make everyone else feel okay and find a new normal were so real to me, and I know many of my fourth graders would see themselves in this book. The animal lover and science nerd in me loved the turtle facts and information that felt interesting instead of textbook. I would have LOVED this book as a child!

While as an adult I found myself seeing the path to resolution far before the end, I don’t know that kids would- and there was still an unexpected event near the end that made it hard for me to put the book down. I’m already thinking this would make a great empathy-building book for my students to read in a book club, especially because I love how Olivia grows and how the book ends contentedly but also realistically.

(I was given an ARC but was not required to give a review- I just really enjoyed this one!)

[Kylin Swearingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t remember much about this book since I read it about 4 years ago, but I do remember I considered it my favorite book for a while. I remember really connecting with the main character. I strongly recommend for shy kids in upper elementary or lower middle school!

[ChesLea · Rating 2 out of 5]

pov: you're upset with your parents divorce so you obsess over sea turtles and nothing else. you vandalize public property and you only start loving your sister again when she almost drowns (within the last 50 pages)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one garners a 3.5 from me. I liked twelve-year-old Olivia and her struggles to understand what's happening to her family. Divorce can be devastating to children, not to mention their parents. In this case, Olivia and her sister Lanie are spending the summer in Florida with her maternal grandparents, something she loves to do. But things just aren't the same since her father isn't with them, having moved to his own apartment in Colorado. There's quite a bit of uncertainty in Olivia's life since she doesn't know if her mother will decide to relocate to Florida instead of returning to Colorado, egged on by her aunt. She's also confused by the way her friend Aiden is acting and the changes in the Beachcomber, the nearby inn where his grandfather works. When Olivia realizes that the bright night lights at the inn are causing trouble for the sea turtles trying to nest there, she decides to take action. But what can one girl do when faced with a seemingly uncaring property owner like Mr. Shaw? As Olivia comes to realize, her mother can be a force with which to be reckoned. While I don't know how realistic the ending is, I still enjoyed the book very much, especially the acknowledgement that things that are broken like her family or a piece of glass can be softened and fashioned into something beautiful and different. Books such as this one that show youngsters trying to make a difference in the world around them and bring positive change to the environment are much needed. Middle graders are sure to enjoy reading this one and rooting for Olivia. Although she doesn't like change very much, she realizes that sometimes it can be a very good thing. There are many readers who might find solace in her struggles and her successes. Each chapter is introduced with an interesting fact about sea turtles.

[Ms. Hartmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this book. Though I enjoyed the main character's passion for the loggerhead turtles, I was really frustrated following the character's journey. She was clearly going through a lot with her parents' divorce, however, I found it frustrating how she kept everything to herself. When she did confide in a friend or an adult, the author glazed over the interaction with "I told her everything" or "I told them everything." I personally feel that these scenes could have been more powerful if we could have gotten to hear that interaction rather than assume how it went. Another personal pet peeve of mine is when a young character is wise beyond her/his years. In this book, the six-year-old younger sister ends up drawing complex conclusions that are completely unrealistic and out of character for a child of that age. I never felt that character was a believable six-year-old from any of her dialogue or interactions.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

12-year-old Olivia (Liv) is starting her family’s annual summer vacation, but this year is very different because her father is staying home. OUT OF MY SHELL, by Jenny Goebel, follows Olivia as she pushes boundaries, mourns the break-up of her family, and tries to help a loggerhead sea turtle lay eggs in a safe spot. Divorce, coming-of-age, human impact on sea-life, and navigating changes in friendship all factor in to the story. Each chapter is headed by a fact about sea turtles that is loosely connected to what Olivia is going through in the story. Out of My Shellwill interest middle-grade readers who love sea-life, turtles, and summers at the beach. The focus on protecting the sea turtle’s habitat will encourage conversations about the responsibility humans have to the environment and animal-life.

Full review at vegbooks.org

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy of this book and have to say that I really enjoyed it. Each chapter starts with a fact about sea turtles, but then the story is a fictional account of a girl dealing with her parents divorce and being mad that she has to be at the beach without her father. The story does a great job of incorporating a story about a girl going through a hard time, with the really important topic of sea turtles struggling to survive in the oceans today and being able to come on shore to lay their eggs. As a 4th grade teacher, I could see using this book as a read aloud and then combining it with a sea turtle or environmental unit.

[Maureen Caupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

12 year old Olivia is struggling to adjust after her parents separate. She really misses her dad when the family takes their yearly vacation to Florida without him. Shortly after arriving at her grandparents beach side home she notices that the new bright lights on a nearby hotel are confusing sea turtles trying to nest. Olivia feels like she needs to help the turtles and her family, but at first doesn't know how. Over the course of the summer, Olivia learns more about herself and her family. A fun story about growing up, adjusting to difficult changes, and plenty of sea turtles for turtle lovers like me!

[Tess Jones-Orta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is simply written, not bad but not great, and would probably speak to pre-teens experiencing their parents divorce. Personally, I did not enjoy it. Olivia is justifiably angry and moody due to her circumstances and age but I don't like reading about it. Her aunt is very unpleasant. There isn't a whole lot to enjoy about any of it. The very end has a tiny bit of hope for Olivia but it did not save the story for me.

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Best of the Best for the month of June, 2019, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet. You can find me at http://forums.delphiforums.com/stevo1, on my Stevo's Novel Ideas Amazon Influencer page (https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747) or search for me on Google for many more reviews and recommendations.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a book that I couldn’t put down until I finished it. Each word in the story was well thought out and had a meaning in the book. The characters were so realistic and as a reader, you can’t help but root for Olivia, the main character in this novel. Such a great story for just about any reader looking for a short, but complex novel.

[Laura Resau · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this inspiring story! Wonderful, evocative beach setting... important environmental messages... relatable and lovable main character... real-life family issues. I wish there were more books like this about kids who find the courage to stand up and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles. Highly recommended!

[A. A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a little under my age group so I didn't enjoy it as much as others, I loved how this book portrayed changes in a young adolescent body and how it affects them. This had a great demonstration of self concentration and control. This also shows manipulative techniques which are great to understand before it can affect you negatively.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I liked the main character a lot and felt really bad for her. I also loved the way it ended, that they were able to get more turtle friendly lighting. I also like that in the acknowledgements section her final acknowledgement she gives glory to God. That is awesome. I would definitely read more from this author.

[Jessie Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for budding scientists. I like that it’s based around sea turtle science and she’s a kid who enjoys facts.

It got a little cliche incorporating beach romance, parent divorce, social issue and tragic health event. I appreciated the end.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just so good! I loved how deep the author went into Olivia’s feelings, and how the author makes it feel like you are in the moment. I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, especially people ages 10-13. 😊

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about summer break and the time it offers kids to work on themselves and a project that they deem important. I also loved the family dynamics and villain in this book. Wonderful characters you won't soon forget!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good children's book to read with my 10 year old daughter. It dealt a lot with a young girl coming to terms with her parents' divorce. It is pulled along by her love of turtles and her attempts to help one particular turtle.

[Wendi (Alex) Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The six year old is not believable. I don't know any six year old who talks like that! It also got a little old being told repeatedly how far away the father is . Overall though I enjoyed the story and the portrayal of the pain of divorce , especially for a 13 year old.

[Sallyavena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting parallel between a girl dealing with her parents divorce and the plight of a lager head turtle, but too much drama for my liking.

[Anastasia Hanneken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written middle grade novel. Perfect for the nature enthusiast.

[Kaedyn Lentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book to read. It was an easy read as well. I enjoyed reading this book.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I like books about stuff like seperated parents or foster kids so this book was really good for me.

[Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for middle grade readers about growth, change, and protecting wildlife.

[Evey Hallam]

Honestly, at first I really didn't like it but then it grew on me. I didn't get to finish it.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Good summer/animal/adventure story.

[Lauren Cecora · Rating 5 out of 5]

8yo review: I liked most that they save the baby sea turtles and they save the mama turtle from Leiny's balloon. It was really interesting to read.

[Willa Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was once my comfort book 🤭

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A student loaned me this book so I could read it. Sharing books is a wonderful magic. I'm excited to return it and let her know I enjoyed it.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia’s parents are going through a divorce and she channels her complex emotions into saving local sea turtles. Amazing. It’s as if Jenny Goebel wrote this specifically for my inner child.