 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Turtle in Paradise
- By Jennifer Holm
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Depression-era story teaches history, meaning of family.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know this Newbery Honor book focuses on a young girl who is sent to live with relatives in Key West during the Depression. There are mischievous boys who make some trouble, including setting the tail of the main character's cat on fire, but little else to worry about. This story is based on actual family tales, and claims to give a true
look at life during the Depression in Key West. Places are real, and
even Ernest Hemingway makes an appearance. The author includes
photographs and notes and suggests other books and websites readers
could explore. Readers will relate to Turtle: She is tough on the outside, with a soft underbelly, just like a turtle. She is smart, strong, helpful, generous, and pretty wise for an
11-year-old. In the end, they will be touched by her growing understanding of what "family" means.
What's the story?
When her mother gets a job as a housekeeper for a rich woman who will not abide children, 11-year-old Turtle is sent to live with her relatives in Key West. This all happens during the Great Depression, and no one is living too high off the hog, especially the Conches. However, a place is made for her, and her cat, and they all make do. Turtle pitches in with the group of boys that include her cousins and their friends, fishes for sponges with Slow Poke (who turns out to be her dad), builds a relationship with her grumpy grandmother, searches for treasure -- and finds it. In the end, she learns important lessons about what having real family means, and that life often does not have a "Hollywood ending," even when it turns out.
Is it any good?
Except for the fact that everyone is dirt-poor, living in Key West during the Depression seems like a good life for kids. Readers will enjoy watching Turtle and her new friends run around barefoot, explore on their own, or work together to run a business, trading babysitting for candy as part of The Diaper Gang. Everyone in town seems to be related and has a telling nickname -- which means Turtle's story is packed with eccentric characters, ranging from the ragtag boys who are often up to some kind of harmless mischief to sponge fishermen who speak of pirates and treasure. In the end, kids will find it easy to get swept up in this award-winning book, which is full of adventure, humor, and historical detail. Not only does it impart a sweet lesson about family, but it is also just plain fun to read.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the author's blending of fiction with fact, including her own family's history. Why do you think she chose to write the story this way? Could you tell what she made up and what was real?
How can fiction books like this one or like Moon over Manifest teach you about The Depression? Did you learn anything that surprised you about that time? Is it easier for you to learn history this way -- or from more factual books?
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AGE
Well-written historical adventure in Key West during the Depression
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 8, 2011
AGE
Turtle in Paradise
I think it is a very well written book with a main character you can relate to no mater what your age. It may seem a little "dull" at the beginning, but it gets better as you read. In my opinion, it's a must read.
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Kid, 9 years old
December 3, 2011
AGE
turtle in paradise
i hink it was ok
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AGE
THIS IS A GOOD BOOK!
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.
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| Author: | Jennifer Holm |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Random House Books for Young Readers |
| Publication date: | May 11, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 208 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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