Parent reviews for Turtle in Paradise

This is a good book for kids around third to sixth grade level. The characters are eccentric and fun to read about. Turtle is a sometimes cynical and usually funny narrator. It's also historically accurate. The thing is, it's not super "actiony." It's mostly just a bunch of kids hanging around during the summer. They do have interesting adventures, though.

it is a intersting story about a girl and she has to go live with her aunt and get to know her cousin and uncle. also she got a job so she and her mom can live in and is better then where she used to live . It was a good no amazing no great historical fiction book.

Jennifer Holms' story was inspired by her grandparents who lived in Key West during the Depression. She's a lively writer who has a good sense of humor and an understanding of what some kids like to read -- check out The Babymouse graphic novel series that she and her brother create. The story is sometimes rather sad but often upbeat about down on their luck kids who seek adventure and who want to have fun, and aren't really aware of just what the Depression means. The main character faces difficult problems, but she manages to stay positive. There's a mystery here as well. The writing is good for a strong 8 - 9 year old reader. Yes, the main character is a girl, but I think boys who are good readers will like the sense of adventure and fun -- there's even a shipwreck during a hurricaine. Much better than the Newbery Award in 2011, this was a Newbery Honor book. Worth checking out.