Turtle in Paradise

 

Bibliography
Holm, Jennifer L., 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY. ISBN 9780375836909.

Plot Summary
It's 1935 in Key West, Florida. Turtle has been sent to live in the Key West with her mother's relatives, as her mother works her housekeeping job that doesn't allow children. As difficult as it was to find jobs and money during the Great Depression, Turtle manages to make the best of this time. Her cousins allow her to follow the Diaper Gang, taking care of babies in exchange for candy. After spending time with her extraordinary family, Turtle begins to feel at home and getting comfortable with with her new world.

Critical Analysis
Holm writes a story about a strong, tough shelled girl named Turtle living in New Jersey. She is skeptical of accepting life can be anything like a Hollywood movie, especially experiencing the difficult hardships that comes with Great Depression. After Turtle's mom begins her housekeeping job in a house where no children are allowed, she makes the decision to send Turtle to live her relatives in Key West, Florida. Life in Florida with her aunt, grandmother, and wild yet wise cousins has opened Turtle's eyes in a positive way. Her cousins have allowed her to follow the Diaper Gang, the group of boys who babysit in exchange for candy, as times are hard and money is scarce. As Turtle gets used to the family nicknames, the Florida heat, and crazy adventures, she begins to feel at home and find her sense of belonging. According to the author's note, this story was inspired by Holm's great-grandmother, who left the Bahamas for Key West in the 1800's. Many of her family's Key West traditions and memories inspired Turtle's story, such as nicknaming, children living with other relatives, searching for pirate treasure, tricks to avoid scorpions, etc. Overall, a great, adventurous story about a skeptical, strong girl who finds her sense of belonging during a difficult time in the country.

Review Excerpt(s)
Newbery Honor Book
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Though her narrative is peppered with references from the time, modern-day readers will have no trouble relating, and the fast moving plot will keep them interested to the end." 
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Holm's voice for Turtle is winning and authentic - that of a practical, clear eyed observer - and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments."

Connections
- For young readers who relate to strong, adventurous, and quirky characters living in a Southern town.
- For readers interested in learning about life in Key West, Florida during the Depression.
- Similar book recommendations: 
Holm, Jennifer L. FULL OF BEANS. ISBN 9780553510386
Holm, Jennifer L. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. ISBN 9780375836893
Vanderpool, Clare. MOON OVER MANIFEST. ISBN 9780375858291

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