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Olivia and the Little Way
Catholic Press Association award winner! Fifth grader Olivia Thomas has moved to a new school in a new state, and is eager to make friends! Her best friend quickly becomes someone she has never seen: St. Therese of Lisieux. Follow Olivia's trials as she tries to fit in at St. Michael's School. With the help of her grandmother, she learns about the Little Way of serving God and how it can change everything!
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2008
About the author
Nancy Carabio Belanger
5 books30 followersNancy Carabio Belanger, a graduate of Michigan State University, has loved to write ever since she was a little girl. She used to write fiction stories in math class when she was supposed to be listening to the teacher, a practice she certainly does not recommend to her readers! She has a great love for St. Therese of Lisieux. She says that Therese's Little Way is a reminder to all of us who feel like we can do nothing, that we aren’t old enough, smart enough, etc. We can all make little sacrifices to please God.
Nancy founded Harvey House Publishing in 2008 to create books for children that celebrate the Catholic Faith, modesty, the gift of life, and a wholesome childhood. Nancy is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Catholic Writers Guild, and the American Authors Association. She lives in Michigan with her family, where she is working on more novels for children.
Nancy founded Harvey House Publishing in 2008 to create books for children that celebrate the Catholic Faith, modesty, the gift of life, and a wholesome childhood. Nancy is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Catholic Writers Guild, and the American Authors Association. She lives in Michigan with her family, where she is working on more novels for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 8, 2018
Heart-warming story about a fifth-grade girl, Olivia, who moves with her family from Texas to Michigan at the start of the new school year. The difference here is that Oliva has a grandmother who introduces her—and by association, the reader—to St. Thérèse de Lisieux and her ‘Little Way’ of holiness. Each chapter begins with a quote by the ‘The Little Flower’ which is then illustrated in the story.
What I wouldn’t have given for such a book in my younger years! Or to have had it to share with my own daughters… Well, there is hope for grandchildren. And for those who are wondering, young males in Olivia’s class at school also figure in the story and are also just as likely to be drawn to this down-to-earth saint who simply reminded us of Our LORD’s teaching that we must become like Little Children to enter His Kingdom. During her all-too-brief lifetime, St. Thérèse wrote a few letters to a couple of priests which left deep impressions. Although not just a saint for girls/women, this book will most likely have more appeal for young female readers.
Highly recommended.
What I wouldn’t have given for such a book in my younger years! Or to have had it to share with my own daughters… Well, there is hope for grandchildren. And for those who are wondering, young males in Olivia’s class at school also figure in the story and are also just as likely to be drawn to this down-to-earth saint who simply reminded us of Our LORD’s teaching that we must become like Little Children to enter His Kingdom. During her all-too-brief lifetime, St. Thérèse wrote a few letters to a couple of priests which left deep impressions. Although not just a saint for girls/women, this book will most likely have more appeal for young female readers.
Highly recommended.
February 18, 2014
If only Nancy Carabio Belanger’s award-winning novel for young readers, Olivia and the Little Way, had been available to me when I was in middle school or junior high—how I would have benefited from the beautiful messages that are woven into each and every page! During those sometimes awful formative years, when so many of the influences on young people are not exactly good ones, it would have been incredibly beneficial for me to read about Olivia Thomas’ introduction to and growing friendship with one of the greatest saints of the Catholic Church: St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” the beloved saint who taught the “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.”
As a young girl, I remember vividly wanting to be good (and of course failing routinely, as we all do); but I don’t remember going about the business of my daily life with the specific goal of becoming a saint always in the forefront of my mind. I suppose I sometimes felt as St. Therese herself felt: “when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by.” Well let me tell you, Belanger’s outstanding book definitely reminds the reader of the all-important goal of achieving sainthood; but it also reminds her that one need not go through life’s trials alone, because there are friends in Heaven to whom she can turn for help. And one of these powerful friends is dear St. Therese, who herself felt she had “to look for some means of going to Heaven by a little way which is very short and very straight.”
The novel’s heroine Olivia Thomas is the oldest child in a Catholic family, with two younger siblings. Her family is getting ready to move from Texas, where she has lived her whole life, to Michigan. On the cusp of entering fifth grade, Olivia is not thrilled about the idea of leaving all of her friends behind and becoming the dreaded “new girl” in school; but at least there is one huge plus to look forward to: Olivia will now live close to her beloved grandmother, with whom she has always spent part of her summer vacations. Before Olivia heads back home from her grandmother’s house to spend the rest of her last summer in Texas, her grandmother gives her a very special gift: a St. Therese chaplet. She also begins to talk to her granddaughter about her favorite saint and to tell stories about the amazing ways St. Therese of Lisieux has interceded for her. As time goes on, Olivia begins to build her own special relationship with St. Therese.
As Olivia navigates the obstacles to sainthood that abound as a middle-schooler (especially one who is trying desperately to fit in at her new Catholic school), she finds many opportunities to call on her special new Heavenly friend for assistance and encouragement. It’s hard to befriend the class outsiders when it means the “cool girls” might decide to lump you with them, and it’s hard to fight the kind of peer pressure that makes you embarrassed to stand out in any way; but with the help of St. Therese, Olivia learns to stick up for the underdogs while at the same time praying for and exhibiting compassion for the big wigs who act uncharitably toward others, knowing that sometimes love can help to turn lives around. Olivia perseveres in practicing the “Little Way,” even when it is extremely difficult and she’s not sure that her efforts are bearing any fruit. She makes mistakes along the way; but as she struggles along, it is touching to read about how she yearns for that visible sign—that promised shower of roses from Heaven—that will prove her new patron has been listening to her prayers. What’s also very touching is that other characters in the book (ones you might not expect) are inspired to turn to St. Therese as well. Ultimately, the book shows that though we are all sinners and far from perfect, we are all souls worthy of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
Surely, Belanger’s sweet, entertaining, and inspiring novel Olivia and the Little Way would have been the perfect book for me to read in my girlhood years; but it was incredibly beneficial for me to read it now, and I’m in my mid-fifties! I’ve found that in the aftermath of reading this little gem, which is aimed at young adult readers but is certainly an enjoyable read for any adult as well, I have been energized anew with the desire to do every small thing with great love, to imitate St. Therese’s “Little Way” to the best of my ability, just as Olivia learns to do in the course of the story.
If you have an impressionable young reader in your house, she should read this book. If you’re an adult who never got to know St. Therese very well when you were young, you should read this book. If you want to be inspired to win souls for Jesus through small but important acts of love and self-sacrifice, you should read this book. And afterwards, you should read the sequel, Olivia’s Gift. (That’s what I’m going to do!)
On her blog, Nancy Carabio Belanger (who has a deep devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux) states that this is her mission: “to fill the bookshelves of pre-teens with books that celebrate our Catholic faith, modesty, the gift of life, and a wholesome childhood.” Olivia and the Little Way does all of those things, and does them while introducing the reader to a saint whom we should all get to know better. Bravo, Nancy Carabio Belanger—mission accomplished!
As a young girl, I remember vividly wanting to be good (and of course failing routinely, as we all do); but I don’t remember going about the business of my daily life with the specific goal of becoming a saint always in the forefront of my mind. I suppose I sometimes felt as St. Therese herself felt: “when I have compared myself with the saints, I have always found that there is the same difference between the saints and me as there is between a mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds and a humble grain of sand trodden underfoot by passers-by.” Well let me tell you, Belanger’s outstanding book definitely reminds the reader of the all-important goal of achieving sainthood; but it also reminds her that one need not go through life’s trials alone, because there are friends in Heaven to whom she can turn for help. And one of these powerful friends is dear St. Therese, who herself felt she had “to look for some means of going to Heaven by a little way which is very short and very straight.”
The novel’s heroine Olivia Thomas is the oldest child in a Catholic family, with two younger siblings. Her family is getting ready to move from Texas, where she has lived her whole life, to Michigan. On the cusp of entering fifth grade, Olivia is not thrilled about the idea of leaving all of her friends behind and becoming the dreaded “new girl” in school; but at least there is one huge plus to look forward to: Olivia will now live close to her beloved grandmother, with whom she has always spent part of her summer vacations. Before Olivia heads back home from her grandmother’s house to spend the rest of her last summer in Texas, her grandmother gives her a very special gift: a St. Therese chaplet. She also begins to talk to her granddaughter about her favorite saint and to tell stories about the amazing ways St. Therese of Lisieux has interceded for her. As time goes on, Olivia begins to build her own special relationship with St. Therese.
As Olivia navigates the obstacles to sainthood that abound as a middle-schooler (especially one who is trying desperately to fit in at her new Catholic school), she finds many opportunities to call on her special new Heavenly friend for assistance and encouragement. It’s hard to befriend the class outsiders when it means the “cool girls” might decide to lump you with them, and it’s hard to fight the kind of peer pressure that makes you embarrassed to stand out in any way; but with the help of St. Therese, Olivia learns to stick up for the underdogs while at the same time praying for and exhibiting compassion for the big wigs who act uncharitably toward others, knowing that sometimes love can help to turn lives around. Olivia perseveres in practicing the “Little Way,” even when it is extremely difficult and she’s not sure that her efforts are bearing any fruit. She makes mistakes along the way; but as she struggles along, it is touching to read about how she yearns for that visible sign—that promised shower of roses from Heaven—that will prove her new patron has been listening to her prayers. What’s also very touching is that other characters in the book (ones you might not expect) are inspired to turn to St. Therese as well. Ultimately, the book shows that though we are all sinners and far from perfect, we are all souls worthy of love, understanding, and forgiveness.
Surely, Belanger’s sweet, entertaining, and inspiring novel Olivia and the Little Way would have been the perfect book for me to read in my girlhood years; but it was incredibly beneficial for me to read it now, and I’m in my mid-fifties! I’ve found that in the aftermath of reading this little gem, which is aimed at young adult readers but is certainly an enjoyable read for any adult as well, I have been energized anew with the desire to do every small thing with great love, to imitate St. Therese’s “Little Way” to the best of my ability, just as Olivia learns to do in the course of the story.
If you have an impressionable young reader in your house, she should read this book. If you’re an adult who never got to know St. Therese very well when you were young, you should read this book. If you want to be inspired to win souls for Jesus through small but important acts of love and self-sacrifice, you should read this book. And afterwards, you should read the sequel, Olivia’s Gift. (That’s what I’m going to do!)
On her blog, Nancy Carabio Belanger (who has a deep devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux) states that this is her mission: “to fill the bookshelves of pre-teens with books that celebrate our Catholic faith, modesty, the gift of life, and a wholesome childhood.” Olivia and the Little Way does all of those things, and does them while introducing the reader to a saint whom we should all get to know better. Bravo, Nancy Carabio Belanger—mission accomplished!
February 4, 2013
My 7 year old daughter loves this book. She randomly told me one day, "There's plenty of time for make-up when I'm grown up. Today, I'll enjoy my childhood." When I asked where she got that from, she told me it was from here. She has read it several times and when I asked her what it was that she loved about it, she said, "Everything!" That's a five star rating to me. I will get the sequel for Easter.
July 25, 2021
My daughter is rating and reviewing this book first, since we read it for a book club. She gives it five stars.
"I loved this story, and I loved it because it was about St. Therese. I liked seeing how St. Therese helped Olivia and Hayley. I loved finding out how the different characters got their rose!"
My part of the review:
This is a sweet book for elementary girls. It helps them to learn about St. Therese and her Little Way, and teaches them to call upon the saints in difficulties of everyday life. The plot was fine, though a little bit run-of-the-mill. My biggest criticism is that, though this is an unapologetically Catholic book, there is no inclusion at all of the sacramental life. There are two occasions where I noticed the hole left by the omission. The first time is when they are in school on All Saints Day. There is no mention at all that Olivia and the kids attended Mass or should attend Mass later that day, and in fact, the Catholic school children don't all seem aware that it a Holy Day at all. The second situation detracted the most from the story. Olivia knowingly did something disobedient to her parents. She feels quite contrite, and the story notes that it affects her prayer life. This would definitely be something a ten year old should confess in her next regular Confession, but there is no mention of this. It was odd in such a clearly Catholic story that this episode wouldn't include the healing that comes from the sacrament of Penance, especially in a story whose purpose is to help Catholic children grow in devotion.
I would give it a solid three stars. My daughter certainly loved it, and my criticism aside, there are a lot of good lessons in this story, and the sincere love the author has for St. Therese shines through.
My daughter gave it five, and I give it three, so we are rounding to four stars.
"I loved this story, and I loved it because it was about St. Therese. I liked seeing how St. Therese helped Olivia and Hayley. I loved finding out how the different characters got their rose!"
My part of the review:
This is a sweet book for elementary girls. It helps them to learn about St. Therese and her Little Way, and teaches them to call upon the saints in difficulties of everyday life. The plot was fine, though a little bit run-of-the-mill. My biggest criticism is that, though this is an unapologetically Catholic book, there is no inclusion at all of the sacramental life. There are two occasions where I noticed the hole left by the omission. The first time is when they are in school on All Saints Day. There is no mention at all that Olivia and the kids attended Mass or should attend Mass later that day, and in fact, the Catholic school children don't all seem aware that it a Holy Day at all. The second situation detracted the most from the story. Olivia knowingly did something disobedient to her parents. She feels quite contrite, and the story notes that it affects her prayer life. This would definitely be something a ten year old should confess in her next regular Confession, but there is no mention of this. It was odd in such a clearly Catholic story that this episode wouldn't include the healing that comes from the sacrament of Penance, especially in a story whose purpose is to help Catholic children grow in devotion.
I would give it a solid three stars. My daughter certainly loved it, and my criticism aside, there are a lot of good lessons in this story, and the sincere love the author has for St. Therese shines through.
My daughter gave it five, and I give it three, so we are rounding to four stars.
February 23, 2026
This is such a cute read, I love this book, how it’s so educational and a good story.
It is for more of a younger audience so I probably would’ve enjoyed it more when I was younger, but still a five star read.
It is for more of a younger audience so I probably would’ve enjoyed it more when I was younger, but still a five star read.
July 25, 2010
Olivia and the Little Way – Review for American Author's Association by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘She hated feeling nervous, but she couldn’t help it. Today was the first day of fifth grade at her new school. Two big things in one day. She thought of all of the other kids at St. Michael’s School who were probably eating their breakfasts at the same time as she. They were lucky. They would be able to see all of their old friends. They would know their way around the hallways, know where to go for lunch, be able to find the bathrooms and drinking fountains. She’d be lost in a sea of new faces and new rules.’
Living in Houston, Olivia always looked forward to being able to visit her Grandma Rosemary in Michigan. But things had changed. She and her family would now be living in Michigan. She would be leaving her two best friends Claire and Emily. She was not faced with making new friends in a new school.
Then Grandma came to the rescue with a beautiful chaplet that had been given to her years before. It was the St. Therese chaplet. Grandma explained to Olivia that St. Theresa the Little Flower was someone who had lived many years before and would always be there to listen to her when she needed someone to talk to. Olivia took great solace in knowing that even in a new town and new school, she would never be alone. But that didn’t mean that she wouldn’t still run into problems as she made herself comfortable in her new surroundings.
Reading Olivia and the Little Way made me realize that things never change. I can remember some of the problems that Olivia was faced with as she made new friends and worked at being accepted by the other kids in school. I can remember the trials of being tested to do things that I knew weren’t right. I can also remember what it cost me when I made the wrong decisions. Olivia and the Little Way is a book that would be wonderful read as a discussion book. Not only is this book helpful for young people that WILL eventually be faced with the same situations Olivia is faced with but it will also help adults remember how difficult it was for them when they had to make decisions of right and wrong at such a young age. Reading Olivia and the Little Way just might slow us all down enough to think about the outcome of anything that we do, good or bad. I recommend this book for ALL ages.
2010
Harvey House Publishing
216 Pages
ISBN# 978-0-923568-92-4
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
‘She hated feeling nervous, but she couldn’t help it. Today was the first day of fifth grade at her new school. Two big things in one day. She thought of all of the other kids at St. Michael’s School who were probably eating their breakfasts at the same time as she. They were lucky. They would be able to see all of their old friends. They would know their way around the hallways, know where to go for lunch, be able to find the bathrooms and drinking fountains. She’d be lost in a sea of new faces and new rules.’
Living in Houston, Olivia always looked forward to being able to visit her Grandma Rosemary in Michigan. But things had changed. She and her family would now be living in Michigan. She would be leaving her two best friends Claire and Emily. She was not faced with making new friends in a new school.
Then Grandma came to the rescue with a beautiful chaplet that had been given to her years before. It was the St. Therese chaplet. Grandma explained to Olivia that St. Theresa the Little Flower was someone who had lived many years before and would always be there to listen to her when she needed someone to talk to. Olivia took great solace in knowing that even in a new town and new school, she would never be alone. But that didn’t mean that she wouldn’t still run into problems as she made herself comfortable in her new surroundings.
Reading Olivia and the Little Way made me realize that things never change. I can remember some of the problems that Olivia was faced with as she made new friends and worked at being accepted by the other kids in school. I can remember the trials of being tested to do things that I knew weren’t right. I can also remember what it cost me when I made the wrong decisions. Olivia and the Little Way is a book that would be wonderful read as a discussion book. Not only is this book helpful for young people that WILL eventually be faced with the same situations Olivia is faced with but it will also help adults remember how difficult it was for them when they had to make decisions of right and wrong at such a young age. Reading Olivia and the Little Way just might slow us all down enough to think about the outcome of anything that we do, good or bad. I recommend this book for ALL ages.
2010
Harvey House Publishing
216 Pages
ISBN# 978-0-923568-92-4
Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat
December 10, 2010
Olivia and the Little Way is a delightful children's novel about Olivia Thomas, a ten year old who moves with her family from Texas to Michigan. She is nervous about going to a new school so her grandmother gives her a St. Thérèse chaplet and tells her about `The Little Way,' that St. Thérèse believed that "you can show your love for God by doing little things for Him with great love."
As each day goes by, Olivia learns how to love others through the Little Way. Later in the story, however, she makes a poor choice and must deal with the consequences. Olivia is frustrated and admits that the Little Way is not always easy. Her grandmother tells her, "You cannot expect to follow the Little Way without some hardship along the way. It is a work in progress. Do not get discouraged...God does not expect perfection; He only wants you to try your best every day." This is wonderful advice, not only for Olivia, but for all of us.
St. Thérèse has been one of my favorite saints since I visited Lisieux as a teenager many years ago, so I especially enjoyed this book and the St. Thérèse quotes at the beginning of each chapter. In this well-written and engaging novel, author Nancy Carabio Belanger illustrates St. Thérèse's Little Way in a delightful and unique approach without being preachy or dogmatic. I highly recommend this wonderful book not only for children, but for anyone interested in following the Little Way.
As each day goes by, Olivia learns how to love others through the Little Way. Later in the story, however, she makes a poor choice and must deal with the consequences. Olivia is frustrated and admits that the Little Way is not always easy. Her grandmother tells her, "You cannot expect to follow the Little Way without some hardship along the way. It is a work in progress. Do not get discouraged...God does not expect perfection; He only wants you to try your best every day." This is wonderful advice, not only for Olivia, but for all of us.
St. Thérèse has been one of my favorite saints since I visited Lisieux as a teenager many years ago, so I especially enjoyed this book and the St. Thérèse quotes at the beginning of each chapter. In this well-written and engaging novel, author Nancy Carabio Belanger illustrates St. Thérèse's Little Way in a delightful and unique approach without being preachy or dogmatic. I highly recommend this wonderful book not only for children, but for anyone interested in following the Little Way.
April 16, 2015
This was a really great story! Friendship, teasing, bad choices, repentance, good choices, prayer. A story full of regular experiences of grade schoolers with faith interweaving as it does in life.
This story is full of the small choices we must make as we go, how we can handle life in a virtuous way, and what it is that helps make us happy. Any youth reading this book will enjoy a great story and learn a lot about how to live life in a way that leads to happiness.
Highly recommended!
This story is full of the small choices we must make as we go, how we can handle life in a virtuous way, and what it is that helps make us happy. Any youth reading this book will enjoy a great story and learn a lot about how to live life in a way that leads to happiness.
Highly recommended!
June 11, 2009
Awesome book for the pre-teens up. All the characters well written. Especially liked the Grandmothers role in the main character's(Olivia)life. Learn about St. Therese and how to have a saintly devotion that brings out the best in all her relationships. See http://nancybelanger.blogspot.com/200... Scroll to April 2,2009
September 30, 2010
Great book to read with pre-teen daughters.
While this book is mainly for the pre-teen crowd, following the little way of St. Therese can make an impact in our lives at any age. I'll look forward to reading it again and again with my little girls.
While this book is mainly for the pre-teen crowd, following the little way of St. Therese can make an impact in our lives at any age. I'll look forward to reading it again and again with my little girls.
August 4, 2018
This is a book marketed and written for young people. However, after having read some weighty philosophical tomes written about Saint Therese, the Little Flower, I found this to be more refreshing and insightful than some of those.
A few of the weighty tomes I have read turn Saint Therese’s Little Way into a big complicated way.
This author describes Therese’s realisations and how to implement them in a way that even children can understand it.
It’s also a well written narrative with an engaging story and interesting characters. I laughed and I cried and I found myself changed and opened in a subtle but powerful way that reading the weighty tomes never got close to .
I am not saying that there is no value in those highly philosophical, wordy books. What I am saying is that this book cut to the core of the Little Way, shining a light into the heart of the reader and revealing things about your relationship with God that the weighty tomes seem to miss.
I plan to read a few more tomes yet, I have them lined up already, and they will be all the more meaningful after reading this sweet and heartfelt story.
This book is a rose in bloom, the scent of which out-lasts the reading.
August 1, 2018
A wonderful book for introducing kids (ages 6-13 I would guess) about sacrificing, the Little Way of St Therese and her life.
When we first started reading it, I was groaning internally and thought this book was too girly for my 6 and 8 year old boys! The relatable but awful struggle of her peer pressure was too old for them...I thought... When we got to the end of the chapter, both boys said, "wow, mom. this is a great book! can you read the next chapter?"
ha. so I was wrong! I guess they relate to it more than I thought. There were also great themes of obedience to parents, kindness to kids who seemed weird, and how to stand up to bullys.
I loved learning about Therese and her Little Way too! What a great saint for kids!
When we first started reading it, I was groaning internally and thought this book was too girly for my 6 and 8 year old boys! The relatable but awful struggle of her peer pressure was too old for them...I thought... When we got to the end of the chapter, both boys said, "wow, mom. this is a great book! can you read the next chapter?"
ha. so I was wrong! I guess they relate to it more than I thought. There were also great themes of obedience to parents, kindness to kids who seemed weird, and how to stand up to bullys.
I loved learning about Therese and her Little Way too! What a great saint for kids!
October 1, 2023
This was such a good book, and I would encourage young people and adults to read it for enjoyment., it is written for middle school age children.
A young girl tries to follow St. Therese’s “Little Way”. She isn’t perfect and sometimes fails; but considers St. Therese her special friend. It’s a struggle for her as she moves to a new state and a new school, and has to figure out what kinds of friends she wants.
A young girl tries to follow St. Therese’s “Little Way”. She isn’t perfect and sometimes fails; but considers St. Therese her special friend. It’s a struggle for her as she moves to a new state and a new school, and has to figure out what kinds of friends she wants.
February 13, 2018
IF YOU ARE CATHOLIC AND IN MIDDLE SCHOOL/LATE ELEMENTARY, YOU NEED TO READ THIS. PERIOD. I got this book for Easter when I was 10, and I loved it. I still have it and the sequel, which is for middle schoolers. Trying to get my little sister to read it lol. I can tell she's interested but doesn't want to because I want her too, plus it has religion in it so you know.
October 20, 2019
This book inspired me so much! It got me to start reading the Bible, paying more close attention to mass, and praying every morning and evening. I really recommend this book to every Christian/Catholic young adult.
January 23, 2019
♥♥♥ Must read for young girls..
December 11, 2019
She learns to cope with being different from the other 10 year olds in her grade and how to become friends and loving people who are hard to love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2020
I loved it. It was so good that Therese of Lisieux ended up becoming my patron saint
August 9, 2021
This was one of my favorites when I was younger and I decided to read it shortly after I was confirmed with St. Therese as my patron saint!
Read
November 13, 2021It is the best book i have ever read!!!! Defiantly a good one!
March 25, 2025
this story is so sweet!!
January 1, 2016
This was a sweet little book. I'd suggest it for readers age seven to twelve. You certainly can read it if you are older than that, I enjoyed it, but that is the age group it seems to be geared towards. I wish I could have read it eight or nine years ago.
There were times when I just shook my head and said to myself 'I never would have done that when I was ten.' When Olivia threw away her brand new lunchbox... As a homeschooler I didn't have to deal with peer pressure quite as badly at that age, but I could identify with her distress at the rudeness. What I couldn't understand was her reactions. I think that if I'd been in her place I would have sat there and felt uncomfortable through the lunch hour, and then avoided those girls after that. When Olivia threw Chad's book in the street my ability to identify with her at all had diminished to the point that I just shook my head and wondered if someone would really do that. That said, shortly after those scene Olivia worked to become a better person, with the intersession of Saint Therese, and I actually liked her for the rest of the book. The only other time that I had a disconnect from her was when she got her ears pierced. Especially as someone trying very hard to do the right thing, I was just surprised she could go through with that without permission. I got my ears pierced when I was ten or eleven (though I had parental approval) and I would have been far to afraid to go through with it without my mom with me, not to mention without the awful sick feeling of guilt if I had done it without permission.
I really liked watching as Olivia used a loving disposition to influence the to bullies that she had managed to befriend. It reminded me of how Immaculée Ilibagiza managed to use love to influence men possessed by hatred (on a much larger scale) in her nonfiction book Left to Tell (Left to Tell book should be left until at least age sixteen though.)
Though I usually prefer books for people in a higher age range, I still did enjoy the story for the most part. And it's renewed my desire to read The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, which is surely a good thing.
There were times when I just shook my head and said to myself 'I never would have done that when I was ten.' When Olivia threw away her brand new lunchbox... As a homeschooler I didn't have to deal with peer pressure quite as badly at that age, but I could identify with her distress at the rudeness. What I couldn't understand was her reactions. I think that if I'd been in her place I would have sat there and felt uncomfortable through the lunch hour, and then avoided those girls after that. When Olivia threw Chad's book in the street my ability to identify with her at all had diminished to the point that I just shook my head and wondered if someone would really do that. That said, shortly after those scene Olivia worked to become a better person, with the intersession of Saint Therese, and I actually liked her for the rest of the book. The only other time that I had a disconnect from her was when she got her ears pierced. Especially as someone trying very hard to do the right thing, I was just surprised she could go through with that without permission. I got my ears pierced when I was ten or eleven (though I had parental approval) and I would have been far to afraid to go through with it without my mom with me, not to mention without the awful sick feeling of guilt if I had done it without permission.
I really liked watching as Olivia used a loving disposition to influence the to bullies that she had managed to befriend. It reminded me of how Immaculée Ilibagiza managed to use love to influence men possessed by hatred (on a much larger scale) in her nonfiction book Left to Tell (Left to Tell book should be left until at least age sixteen though.)
Though I usually prefer books for people in a higher age range, I still did enjoy the story for the most part. And it's renewed my desire to read The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux, which is surely a good thing.
March 30, 2013
So yeah I got this from my aunt last year at Christmas but just got around to reading this because of getting confirmed..
So Olivia is this fifth grade girl from Texas who moves to Michigan because her dad get's a new job or something. She's happy about this because she'll get to spend more time with her grandma, but she'll miss her friends back in Texas. Olivia is afraid she wont make friends so her grandma gives her a chaplet of St. Therese. Olivia's grandma says that if she prays to Saint Therese a certain amount of days Saint Therese will send her a rose. Olivia prays to St. Therese every night and builds a sisterly friendship with her. When Olivia has problems at school, or with friends or family, she calls upon St. Therese to give her guidance.
I really liked this book because I have a connection to St. Therese, her being my Confirmation Saint and all. I have a chaplet just like Olivia's that I (try to) pray every night. So Olivia befriends these two girls at first that are like the fifth grade versions of Mean Girls, which cracked me up. But yeah the ending was really kool and inspiring, and I hope I'll get to receive a rose, too.
So Olivia is this fifth grade girl from Texas who moves to Michigan because her dad get's a new job or something. She's happy about this because she'll get to spend more time with her grandma, but she'll miss her friends back in Texas. Olivia is afraid she wont make friends so her grandma gives her a chaplet of St. Therese. Olivia's grandma says that if she prays to Saint Therese a certain amount of days Saint Therese will send her a rose. Olivia prays to St. Therese every night and builds a sisterly friendship with her. When Olivia has problems at school, or with friends or family, she calls upon St. Therese to give her guidance.
I really liked this book because I have a connection to St. Therese, her being my Confirmation Saint and all. I have a chaplet just like Olivia's that I (try to) pray every night. So Olivia befriends these two girls at first that are like the fifth grade versions of Mean Girls, which cracked me up. But yeah the ending was really kool and inspiring, and I hope I'll get to receive a rose, too.
December 19, 2013
Olivia and the Little Way is a delightful children’s novel about Olivia Thomas, a ten year old who moves with her family from Texas to Michigan. She is nervous about going to a new school so her grandmother (with whom she has a close relationship) gives her a St. Thérèse chaplet and tells her about ‘The Little Way,’ that St. Thérèse believed that “you can show your love for God by doing little things for Him with great love.”
Read more: http://catholicfiction.net/book-revie...
Read more: http://catholicfiction.net/book-revie...
August 30, 2016
The best children's stories are those you'd gladly read as an adult. Olivia's story brings back many memories, good and bad, of being that age, right around 5th grade. More importantly, the lessons she learns about St. Therese's Little Way are lessons that many adults need to learn as well. I'm a father of a 4th grader, and I found Olivia teaching me something.
This is a wonderful story. With just a little repetition at the beginning that feels like a children's book, the story and style pick up quickly and remain enjoyable throughout the book. It's a good story with a great message.
This is a wonderful story. With just a little repetition at the beginning that feels like a children's book, the story and style pick up quickly and remain enjoyable throughout the book. It's a good story with a great message.
July 3, 2012
I wish I had had the chance to read this book and its sequel when I was a bit younger; just the same I am so glad I finally got to read it. It was very inspiring, and I learned some new little tidbits about St. Therese. I did not know before that there was a St. Therese chaplet; now that I do know it has regulary appered in my prayer time. This was a lovely story, and I would highly recommend it.
September 11, 2015
I really like this book. One of the main reasons I wanted to read it was because I read a couple of the other books written by this author and really enjoyed them. It is about a girl who realizes that her faith is a big part in life and that she needs to take it seriously. I thought that this book was great. I would recommend it to those who like Spiritual books.
September 15, 2015
Olivia and the Little Way by Nancy Carabio Belanger
This is also one of my favorite books. In the book,Olivia is starting in a new school and tries her best to fit in. With the help of her Grandmother and St. Therese she learns how to follow God.
This is a beautiful story and I would recommend this to young Catholics.
This is also one of my favorite books. In the book,Olivia is starting in a new school and tries her best to fit in. With the help of her Grandmother and St. Therese she learns how to follow God.
This is a beautiful story and I would recommend this to young Catholics.
November 10, 2010
My family is reading this delightful book together and are overjoyed to be sharing reading material that celebrates the great dignity of the individual while educating, inspiring, and entertaining. We enthusiastically recommend reading this book.
May 27, 2014
I loved the combination of realistic fiction with the history of St. Therese. A great story for my students to read.
My only wish is that the sacrament of Reconciliation could have been brought in when Olivia disobeyed her parents and had difficulty talking to God and St. Therese.
My only wish is that the sacrament of Reconciliation could have been brought in when Olivia disobeyed her parents and had difficulty talking to God and St. Therese.
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