Turtle in Paradise

Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L. Turtle in Paradise. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books, 2010.  ISBN 9780375836886.

Plot Summary

Turtle in Paradise is set during the 1930s when both jobs and money were scarce. Turtle’s single mom is a housekeeper. When she gets a new job working for a lady that hates children, Turtle is sent to live in Key West, Florida with relatives that she has never met. The shy Turtle doesn’t quite know how to react to her grandmother and mischievous group of cousins. She eventually begins to come out of her shell. The book is full of humor and adventure, and even some pirate treasure.

Critical Analysis

The book highlights the hardships a single mother would have faced during the Great Depression. Turtle is witty and smart and many young girls can relate to her. The author mixes humorous dialogue and historical details to describe the everyday life of Turtle and her family. The theme of family is a pivotal part of the book.

Famous child actresses such as Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie are referenced. The author also included details from a real storm that hit Key West in 1935. In the author’s note at the end, she explains where she got many of the characters from. She also explains the historical details that are found in the book. There are also picture of Key West and the people that inspired many of the characters. This helps the reader understand what life was like for Turtle and others in Key West during the Great Depression.

Awards

2011 Newbery Honor Book

Review Excerpts

School Library Journal:  “This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm's great-grandmother's stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won't want to miss it.”

Booklist: “Holm uses family stories as the basis for this tale, part romp, part steely-eyed look at the Depression era. Reminiscent of Addie in the movie Paper Moon, Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure.”

Connections

*Students can research the Great Depression.

*Other books set during the Great Depression:

·         Curtis, Christopher Paul. Bud, Not Buddy. ISBN 978-0553494105

·         Taylor, Mildred D. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. ISBN 978-0142401125