Olivia and the Little Way

How does a fifth-grade girl reconcile the challenges of school and getting along with her fellow classmates with her desire to follow the “little way” of St. Therese? That is the heart of this endearing story. Sometimes she is ruled by her desire to fit in with the “in group” at school, but when she hurts others; her conscience is sensitive enough to want to make amends.

Nancy Belanger captures the struggles children deal with when their peers are unkind and untruthful. She has good insight into the motives which often lead children to do what they shouldn’t , and she understands the need children have to feel accepted. She also captures the close relationship between Olivia and her grandmother and shows how such a relationship can be just what a child needs during difficult times.

Olivia’s grandmother introduces her to St. Therese by giving her a chaplet. She tells her stories about the young saint and tells Olivia that St. Therese is a trusted friend. Grandma Rosemary’s anecdotes about St. Therese serve her when she is tempted to do wrong. Many times, she chooses to do the right thing; at other times she ignores the voice of St. Therese working on her conscience. Olivia is familiar with the belief that St. Therese gives roses as a sign of her favor, and she desperately wants one; but it is long in coming.

This book is a good read for children from fourth grade on up. Not only is it well written, but every chapter begins with a quote from St. Therese. Through stories told by Grandma Rosemary, the reader learns about many facets of St. Therese’s life and spirituality. Children can relate to the struggles faced by Olivia in the face of temptation, because they are the struggles we all face at one time or another.

This is a book that nourishes the soul and teaches while it entertains. I will pass it on to my fourth-grade granddaughter who loves to read and loves to read about the saints.