Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise

Citation:

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

Plot Summary:

                Turtle in Paradise is a coming of age story written by Jennifer Holm set in Florida. Turtle is a girl of eleven in 1935 who has been sent to live with her extended family because of her mother’s job. Her mother, Sadiebell, is a maid and a client that she is currently working for does not care for children, hence the move for Turtle. As Turtle adjusts to life in Florida she attempts to make friends with her cousins and his friends who are part of the “Diaper Gang,” who have a secret formula for curing diaper rash. Turtle finds a map and discovers a treasure. Throughout the book, as Turtle is discovering herself, family secrets come to life, like Slow Poke is her father. As Turtle finds a place within her family and makes some friends, her mother comes back with a fiancé to take Turtle away to start a new life. Before the trio can leave, Turtle has to say goodbye to everyone and reconnects her mother and grandmother. The mother and daughter both believe in the fairy tale ending Archie is selling them, until he disappears with Turtle’s treasure.

Critical Analysis:

Turtle in Paradise is set during the Great Depression and is accurately represented by the voice of the narrator and shares connections with the history of the era. The story is told by an eleven year old with a tough exterior as she navigates the throws of adolescence and a new home. The information is brought to life through Turtle as the reader sympathizes with the hard times of the period and her loneliness in her new home. The writing has a ring of authenticity that is heard through Turtle.

Reviews:

School Library Journal: “In 1935, jobs are hard to come by, and Turtle's mother is lucky to find work as a live-in housekeeper. When she learns that her employer can't stand children, she sends her 11-year-old daughter from New Jersey to Key West to live with relatives. Turtle discovers a startlingly different way of life amid boisterous cousins, Nana Philly, and buried treasure. 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: “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:

·         The Great Depression era history

·         Books by Jennifer L. Holm

o   Penny from Heaven

o   Our only May Amelia

·         Newbery Award winners

o   The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

o   Three times lucky by Shelia Turnage

All reviews courtesy of Amazon.com