TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm

Bibliography:   

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House.  ISBN 9780375936883 

Plot Summary:   

Turtle In Paradise follows an eleven-year-old girl named Turtle from Jersey to Florida.  She has to leave behind her mom, who is a live-in-maid for a wealthy woman who dislikes children.  The only place Turtle has to go is to her aunt’s house in the Florida Keys.  Paradise is not what awaits Turtle, or a welcoming committee happy to see her.  Meanness seems to be everywhere during this struggling time of the Great Depression.  People are poor and hopeless.  Everyone, including the children, are working hard and in creative ways to earn money or candy.  During Turtle’s time on the island, she meets many family members, some she thought were dead.  She joins a band of misfits on a quest for treasure, and ends up finding more than Little Orphan Annie or Shirley Temple could ever make it through.   

Critical Analysis:   

Holm draws the reader into this historical fiction book without overwhelming them with historical details or long descriptions.  The reader will follow the main characters through their regular daily lives where the power of family love sets the theme of the story.  The Diaper Gang is a funny addition to the book as it helps capture the speech patterns of the era, bringing the setting/characters to life.   The plot is presented accurately so that young readers gain a better understand of the time period they are entered, without being overwhelmed by details.  The historical references concerning the Great Depression, shows the hardships of our country during this time period, and the escape of Hollywood movies that people enjoyed during this same time period.  Author, Holms, has a personal connection to this story.  The pictures and her notes at the end of the book will bring so much light to young readers who may have never heard of the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” or Shirley Temple movies. 

Reviews:   

·        Newbery Honor Book 2011

·        ALA-ALSC Children’s Notable Book

·        Booklist:  “Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with dollop of adventure.”

·        Kirkus:  “Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic-that of a practical, clear-eyed observer-and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments.  Sweet, funny, and superb.” 

Connections: 

Age Level:  8 and up 

·        “Little Orphan Annie” choral reading

·        Research:  Franklin Roosevelt; Transportation and communication (building of the highway/fairy to the Keys)

·        Compare prices then and now

·        Watch Shirley Temple movie

·        Learn and sing “The Good Ship Lollipop”

·        Art:  Draw pictures inspired by events/characters/”Little Orphan Annie” comic strip