Title: Turtle In Paradise
Author: Holm, Jennifer L.
Publisher: Random House, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0375836909
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: 610 Lexile
Interest Level: 9-12
Awards: Newbery Honor Award
Readers Annotation: Its 1935 and Turtle's mother cannot find work. She finds a man who promises the world and leaves Turtle, will she come back?
Plot:
Turtle's mother has a hard time finding work with the economy of the United States in 1935. She finally finds a job as a housekeeper for a woman who does not like children. This means Turtle can no longer live with her mother. She moves to Key West, Florida with her aunt until mother has enough money to change jobs again. Key West is completely different than anywhere Turtle has ever been Her male cousins are not very friendly, her aunt is rough around the edges and her cat is unwelcome. As time goes on, Turtle finds her place in this new family. She learns many things about her family and finds new friends. This is a story of finding one's roots even when it feels there is no way to do so.
Review:
This book was wonderful. The setting created a relaxed environment where Turtle can enjoy the beach life, but also find her own. The descriptions are vivid and the reader feels part of Turtle's story. We are in another recession at the moment and kids of today may be able to relate to some of the problems presented in this book. There are some instances where the historical content meshes with the present.
Similar Materials:
Books on the Depression would be a great introduction to this book as well as books on Shirley Temple.
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