On a stormy night, little Yann Doutreleau wakes up his six older brothers, all twins. He lets them know that they must flee their home--or risk bei...
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Jan 22, 2012
L12_sarah
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The Pull of the Ocean is not your typical children's book. Its somber story seems reminiscent of Lemony Snickett's A Series of Unfortunate Events , but ultimately lacks the same charm. The plot is rather bleak. The Doutreleau family has seven boys: twins Remy and Fabien, twins Pierre and Paul, twins Max and Victor, and the singular, Yann, who is both a dwarf and mute. The Doutreleau family is poor, and it is suggested that Mr. Doutreleau is abusive and his wife, Mrs. Doutreleau, cold and hars
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Jun 23, 2010
Jill
rated it: 
A. The Pull of the Ocean
• The author immediately pulled me into the story with the first chapter. A social worker returning a child to his home where it is insinuated that he is abused by his parents. At the same time, I’m given the impression that he was killed by his parents--“I’m one of the last people who saw Yann…” and “…But there was no next day.”
• With each chapter, the author builds on the horrific conditions of Yann’s life—mother saying, “He hasn’t looked well in ten years More...
• The author immediately pulled me into the story with the first chapter. A social worker returning a child to his home where it is insinuated that he is abused by his parents. At the same time, I’m given the impression that he was killed by his parents--“I’m one of the last people who saw Yann…” and “…But there was no next day.”
• With each chapter, the author builds on the horrific conditions of Yann’s life—mother saying, “He hasn’t looked well in ten years More...
Jun 22, 2010
Kimberly
rated it: 
This book was written in French and translated into English. He is 10 years old and the size of a toddler, but considered by all his brothers to be very wise. He tells his brothers they must leave home because their parents are planning to “harm them.” They believe him and he leads them on a journey to the sea. The Pull of the Ocean is told from the viewpoints of Yann’s brothers and many others who encounter the 7 on their way to the sea. We do not hear from Yann until the end of the story. The
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Sep 30, 2009
Logan
rated it:
The Pull of the Ocean
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he i More...
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he i More...
Sep 30, 2009
Logan
rated it:
The Pull of the Ocean
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he is More...
Written by: Jean-Claude Mourlevat
Published by: Delacorte Press
Copyright Year: 2006
190 Pages
$13.95
ISBN:0-385-73348-8
Reading Level: ages 11-13
This book gets a rating of: 4.5 stars out of 5
Never judge a book by its cover”
The Pull of the Ocean tells a story about not judging a book by its cover but with humans. In this book there is a midget and he is More...
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May 05, 2011
Jiwon
rated it: 
The pull of the ocean is about the twins who want to be live.
One day, 3twins decided to go to the ocean from their parents, because John heard that their parents trying to kill them. They got the train and that smart guys stole tickets to ride. However, they were hungry,and poor. Even one was wearing women shoes. They had a bad smell too. At the train, one women saw everything, even John stealing tickets, but she didn't tell to people. They could arrive near by ocean. They went to a house, More...
One day, 3twins decided to go to the ocean from their parents, because John heard that their parents trying to kill them. They got the train and that smart guys stole tickets to ride. However, they were hungry,and poor. Even one was wearing women shoes. They had a bad smell too. At the train, one women saw everything, even John stealing tickets, but she didn't tell to people. They could arrive near by ocean. They went to a house, More...
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Jan 30, 2011
May-Ling
rated it:
full disclosure - this is technically a book for teenagers, and my partner spent plenty of time making fun of me for reading it. perhaps that's not so difficult, since it's a tiny book with wide margins. but - it was in a library display and has the most captivating quote on the back, so i snatched it up. translated from french, the book immediately draws you in, with each chapter advancing the plot, although narrated by a different character.
the premise is that this poor family of More...
the premise is that this poor family of More...
Feb 21, 2011
Pam
rated it:
This is an intriguing book, both for its unusual story and the unusual way in which it is told. Each chapter is an eyewitness testimony that either furthers the plot or enriches the reader's knowledge of the characters. It is an updated "Tom Thumb" story, translated from French. The characters, even the secondary characters who just serve to move the plot along, are richly drawn. The unfolding narrative made me uneasy, as I grew anxious about the fate of the runaway boys--especially th
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Mar 24, 2010
Kay
rated it:
This book was very deep and very descriptive. After reading this book, I'm proud to say that I think it's what gave me an interest in poetry!
Though this book is probably a little bit under my level, it still has a touching timeline and the characters are very unique... especially in size! The main character of the book is my age and only about 2 or 3 feet tall! So this book was a joy to read, and the events that the characters have to face as they wander away from their abusive paren More...
Though this book is probably a little bit under my level, it still has a touching timeline and the characters are very unique... especially in size! The main character of the book is my age and only about 2 or 3 feet tall! So this book was a joy to read, and the events that the characters have to face as they wander away from their abusive paren More...
Aug 31, 2011
Keri
rated it:
I found this book at the $0.25 table at the library. It was more a short story for grownups, though I think it would be engaging for all ages. It was 190 pages, but easily finished in a day. The book is an award-winner of the French Prix Sorcieres and there's no mistaking that French literary touch.
The story mirrors the tale of Tom Thumb, seven brothers running away from home, eventually encountering an ogre. Full of lyric storytelling from many different points of view, this book m More...
The story mirrors the tale of Tom Thumb, seven brothers running away from home, eventually encountering an ogre. Full of lyric storytelling from many different points of view, this book m More...
Sep 26, 2008
nicole
rated it:
What a funny recommendation, Deb. Probably the most depressing "children's book" I've ever read. Or is it young adult? I don't know, but only give this to middle readers you attend to scare the begeezus out of. It's definitely interesting to discuss as a fairy tale (combines elements of Tom Thumb, Hansel & Gretel, and probably others), but I found it terrifying in the sort of way that "A Child Called It" scares me, rather than scary/fascinating in the way that Hansel and Gret
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Aug 09, 2008
Stacy268
rated it:
This is why I love visiting the public library. This little gem of a book leaped off the shelves into my heart.
Yann Doutreleau is dragged home by Nathalie a social worker with the best intentions. He doesn't speak, at least not with words, so most people do not understand his wants and needs. His older brothers (three sets of twins) tell the social worker that Yann's father threw his book bag down the well.
Upon arrival at the rundown homestead and meeting Yann's mother More...
Yann Doutreleau is dragged home by Nathalie a social worker with the best intentions. He doesn't speak, at least not with words, so most people do not understand his wants and needs. His older brothers (three sets of twins) tell the social worker that Yann's father threw his book bag down the well.
Upon arrival at the rundown homestead and meeting Yann's mother More...
Dec 24, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com
Yann is the seventh son, and the only one born alone. His six older brothers are three sets of twins. Yann has never really grown and he doesn't speak. Oddly, he communicates to his brothers much more accurately than they do to each other. When he wakes them up one night, explaining wordlessly that their father plans to harm them, they follow him without question.
Their journey is to the ocean, a place where they all anticip More...
Yann is the seventh son, and the only one born alone. His six older brothers are three sets of twins. Yann has never really grown and he doesn't speak. Oddly, he communicates to his brothers much more accurately than they do to each other. When he wakes them up one night, explaining wordlessly that their father plans to harm them, they follow him without question.
Their journey is to the ocean, a place where they all anticip More...
Sep 04, 2007
Leanna
rated it:
I just finished reading Jean-Claude Mourlevat’s The Pull of the Ocean, and I am struggling with what to write about it.
Yann, the main character, is described in the book as a ten-year-old “dwarf” or “midget.” He has six older brothers—three sets of twins—and does not speak, yet he is the ringleader of the group. On Yann’s say, the seven boys run away from home, but it isn’t until the very end that we actually hear from Yann and his reasons for leaving are revealed.
The you More...
Yann, the main character, is described in the book as a ten-year-old “dwarf” or “midget.” He has six older brothers—three sets of twins—and does not speak, yet he is the ringleader of the group. On Yann’s say, the seven boys run away from home, but it isn’t until the very end that we actually hear from Yann and his reasons for leaving are revealed.
The you More...
Jan 21, 2011
David
rated it:
I have not read a juvenile book that has impressed me like this one has in so long. The themes are incredibly adult, but put into the structure and perspective of a child. I would venture to say that this book is like Lois Lowry's The Willoughbys, except written by Stephen King. The characters have depth and credibility...even the most cruel. An incredible spin on Tom Thumb, but set into a contemporary analysis of society and how we treat our "lowest."
Dec 17, 2009
Christina
rated it:
This book is so good. It's hard to find a copy in stores, which is a huge shame. The cover is appealing, and the trim size makes it the perfect little book to bring along on your commute. It's a children's book, but I think the writing and the story would appeal to the adult that enjoys a good story and minimalist writing. The story describes 7 brothers, 3 sets of twins and 1 single brother who is small, that run away from their parents because they believe that they are going to be killed. Each
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Sep 19, 2011
Kyla
rated it:
Read because my middle-schooler's are reading the real French version and for once I would like to be up to speed on their school texts. I can see why a teacher would use this in the classroom - multiple points of view, based on a Perrault fairy tale, journey to the sea...so I appreciated it from an intellectual if not entirely emotional standpoint.
Jun 06, 2010
Camila
rated it:
Simple yet poignant. I loved experiencing the stories from various perspectives, even if some characters were insignficant; it felt slightly voyeuristic. I found some parts hard to believe--since it's written in first-person, I felt the discourse of some of the characters was unlikely. Overall, great read and many parts were moving and enlightening.
Jan 25, 2010
Krisanne
rated it:
This one is a tough book to put down...Each chapter is from a different character's perspective. The chapters are sometimes only two pages long. The main character is leaving home because of being abused by his parents. I am only 5 chapters in so far, and I will bring this book to our classroom library once I finish. This is a terrific book! I'm scared about the ending though...
I'm not going to say anything about the ending...this is a beautiful little book that shows the strength of More...
I'm not going to say anything about the ending...this is a beautiful little book that shows the strength of More...
Jun 16, 2010
Teresa
rated it:
An odd book--very fairy-tale-like, almost unreal feeling. Told by various people involved in the flight of seven children, including one who is incredibly small. Although the story is bleak, the way they take care of each other is very touching. At the end, you're left with unanswered questions--unusual and memorable. Great for discussion.
May 20, 2009
Trish
rated it:
What an usual novel. The story is somewhat bizarre and certainly unique, but very intriguing. I loved the manner in which the chapters are written. Each chapter ends with an unanswered question, for which the next chapter immediately addresses. The chapters are told by various characters in the book. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one!
Jun 16, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry. The story was soo sad, and to actually carry thier brother in a bag. I can't imagine. One of my favorite parts was the women's shoes. I wished they would have said the color so I got a better mental picture. I also cannot believe that it was the cat's that were supposed to die.
Mar 24, 2010
Sonya
rated it:
Absolutely Beautiful!
Just pulling u into the pain, the terror, and the hope.
I learned about trust wihin this book.
- I just can't believe the ending, leaving me just lying there were my mouth agape.
it cud be boring @ times
* well anyway this book was inspiring, though under my level; the meaning was meant for every reader
Just pulling u into the pain, the terror, and the hope.
I learned about trust wihin this book.
- I just can't believe the ending, leaving me just lying there were my mouth agape.
it cud be boring @ times
* well anyway this book was inspiring, though under my level; the meaning was meant for every reader
Apr 20, 2010
Angela
rated it:
A dark, engaging, quick read based on the fairy tale "Tom Thumb." You can see why the children run away from home and also why they go back. But it is Yann's adventure that is truly intriguing. Told through accounts of various bystanders as well as the children themselves. You, too, will feel the pull of the ocean.
Jul 14, 2009
Gregg
rated it:
This book won the Batchelder Award for best children's book translated into English, and it also won France's children's literary award, the Prix Soricères. I found it to be a strange, interesting read, but I think an adult would appreciate it much more than a child. I can't imagine many children enjoying this book.
Feb 21, 2008
Anina
rated it:
Most of the things I like about this book have nothing to do with the actual writing. I read it because it is cute. It is small. The picture on the front is adorable. Even the typeface is spiffy.
The story is based on the Hans Christian Anderson character of Tom Thumb, retold for the teenage set. It is told in a bunch of short interviews with many different characters, which really kept my attention and made for a tense and mysterious mood. However, the same points in the story kept More...
The story is based on the Hans Christian Anderson character of Tom Thumb, retold for the teenage set. It is told in a bunch of short interviews with many different characters, which really kept my attention and made for a tense and mysterious mood. However, the same points in the story kept More...
May 05, 2011
Kevin valdez
rated it:
I think that this book is really good!!!!!
It talks about a kid named John and he has 6 brother (all tweens) and he and his brothers run away from their home but I didn't like that John had abandone his brother when they got caught and just run away by himself, an what about his brothers and his parents
It talks about a kid named John and he has 6 brother (all tweens) and he and his brothers run away from their home but I didn't like that John had abandone his brother when they got caught and just run away by himself, an what about his brothers and his parents
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Apr 04, 2010
Melody
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I loved this book. It is written in a refreshing writing style. I found the story captivating and the characters entertaining. There's one "bad" word, but other than that, I loved this quick read of a tale. This book vaguely reminded me of "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel.
May 05, 2011
Craig
rated it:
This book was was not one of my most favorite books but it was ok. It was confusing at some points of the story. I wish iI could have gavve this book a 3 and a half because it would make you think somthing will hapen, and some of the time you dont know what is hapenig.
Jul 20, 2010
Nancy
rated it:
This is a thoughtful book full of twists and turns. Each chapter is an anecdote of one characters. Each character offers insights and moves the story forward. Note racial prejudice used in climax. It has an open hopeful ending that would be a great lead for a sequel.
