Turtle in Paradise

Book review by Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media
Turtle in Paradise Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Depression-era story teaches history, meaning of family.

Jennifer Holm Historical Fiction 2010
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 13 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that 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.

Community Reviews

hamstergurl09
hamstergurl09 Adult
May 29, 2012
age 9+

Good

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.
kindel141
kindel141 Adult
February 2, 2012
age 8+

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.

This title has:

Educational value
See all 4 parent reviews

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?

Kids will find it easy to get swept up in this award-winning book, which is full of adventure, humor, and historical detail.

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. This book imparts a sweet lesson about family, but it is also just plain fun to read.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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