Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

TWU course
Book Review: Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm L. Jennifer. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. Random House: New York.
ISBN 978-0-375-83688-6

2. PLOT SUMMARY
The story takes place in Key West, Florida during the Great Depression. "Turtle," the eleven-year old moves in with family because her mother takes a job as a housekeeper. Turtle finds out later the woman her mother works for doesn't like kids. Turtle moves to Key West where she will live with relatives until her mother sends for her.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
"Turtle in Paradise," is a story about an eleven year old girl who lives life from place to place. She is already use to a life of ups and downs but continues to move on. The front cover of "Turtle in Paradise," shows a picture of a girl standing in front of an ocean. She is holding a shell that is shaped like a turtle. The ocean is light blue and green with a white sand beach. This is what "Turtle," sees as she thinks about her past life. Turtle is free and looking at paradise.  

 4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEW: "Sweet, funny and superb."

BOOKLIST: "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."

AWARDS
2011 Newbery Honor Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010
An ALA Notable Book
The Golden Kite Award

5. CONNECTIONS
*Activities
Have children research Key West, Florida in 1935. What types of jobs were available during the Great Depression.

*Books
Garcia-Williams Rita. ONE CRAZY SUMMER. ISBN 978-0-06-076088-5
Draper M. Sharon. OUT OF MY MIND. ISBN-10: 1416971718
Ibbotson, Eva. JOURNEY TO THE RIVER SEA. ISBN-10: 0142501840