Book Review: Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Bibliography: 
Holm, Jennifer L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 9780375936883.

Plot Summary: 
The book takes place during the Great Depression. Turtle goes to live with family in Key West, Florida and opens herself to a great deal of adventure with the "Diaper Gang." After finding what seems to be a treasure map in their grandmother's home, they embark on a quest to find treasure. Turtle is moved from a pessimistic-type child to a girl who can see the chance of a "Hollywood" happy ending.


Critical Analysis: 
Turtle in Paradise is an interesting historical fiction novel. The characters are detailed and fit the time period of the Great Depression. Many characters have nicknames! From the boy who has a heart condition who needs to take it easy to the overly tired mother who takes in one more child, Holm creates characters who are easy to identify with and are true to the time period of the book. She ends the book with an Author's Note about the history of the book - what the characters were based on and even some photos of the Key West area during the Great Depression.

It is important to note the setting and plot. Holm does an excellent job describing the surroundings (all true to the time period) of several cities, transportation, ideas, values and jobs. Details like the dialect are even taken into consideration (for example, the "alligator pear" versus an avocado). The story is an adventure and it would be good for students grades 3rd and above. The authenticity of the book can be credited by the resources in the back. The book is set in the 1930s, but still connects to the children reading it today.


Awards: 
2011 Newbery Honor Book
ALA Notable Book
Booklist Editor's Choice
Texas Bluebonnet List
New York Times bestseller

Review: "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." -Booklist 


Connections: 
--Read the text while studying the era of the Great Depression
--Study Turtle in Paradise along with Key West, Florida
--Art connection: Make your own drawing of the treasure map from the book
--Language Arts: Have the students create a reading response journal from their reading of this book.
--Social Studies connection: Verify facts and cultural environment about the time period from the book
--Other books by Jennifer Holm: Our Only May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, and Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf.
--Note: Jennifer Holm and her brother write the Babymouse series.