TURTLE IN PARADISE BY Jennifer L. Holm

TURTLE IN PARADISE

By Jennifer L. Holm
 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, J., 2010, Turtle in Paradise, Random House, New York, ISBN 978-0-375-83688-6

PLOT SUMMARY

After her mother takes a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy employer that doesn’t like children, Turtle an eleven year old girl finds herself headed to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she has never met Narrated by Turtle, this historical fiction takes place in 1935 and eloquently depicts life during the Great Depression.  Turtle, a tough, no nonsense girl who is somewhat reserved when she arrives in Key West, quickly joins her cousins’ Diaper Gang.  This unruly group allows Turtle to explore life outside her shell where the group fishes for sponges, searches for treasure and explores all that life has to offer.  Through her journey, Turtle learns a lot about herself, her father and what family really means.   Turtle in Paradise is filled with lots of laugh-out-loud, quirky moments and is rich in coastal flavor and Key West history.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Holm captures the true essence childhood innocence and mischief in this heartwarming historical fiction.  The combination of true family stories and authentic historical details during the 1930s in Key West Florida set the scene for an entertaining and charming story rich in coastal narration. Holm’s account of hardships during this era is precise and the local culture is well researched.  The characters and setting are so beautifully described that readers will lose themselves in the lush landscape and relaxed “beach town” setting.

Turtle in Paradise is a delightful story rich in characters, setting and historical accounts of the Great Depression; A historical novel which young adults will not put down with real “life lessons” about the meaning of family.

(Historical fiction ages 9 - 13)

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Kirkus, Starred Review-  “Sweet, funny and superb”
Booklist, Starred Review-  “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."
School Library Journal- "This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it."

AWARDS: 

2011 Newbery Honor Award from the American Library Association

2011 Golden Kite Award for Fiction from the SCBWI
Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2010
New York Times Bestseller

CONNECTIONS:

History
Invite students to view brief video clips from PBS's The Great Depression: Stories of a Generation's Struggle for Democracy. Then students can work individually or in small groups to create time lines of the major social and economic events related to the Great Depression.
Language Arts/Creative Writing
Encourage students to explore headlines from Black Thursday (October 24, 1929 -- The Crash. (Alternate source: N.Y. Times Web Special: The Crash of 1929.) Then ask each student to write a news story that covers the events of the period. Students might find additional information at The Crash of 1929 or 1929 Stock Market Crash. Don't forget the headline!
Art
Point out to students that a country's culture often reflects its political, economic, and social conditions. Invite them to explore the music of the Great Depression through songs such as:

 •It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)

 •Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

 •Whistle While You Work

 •Happy Days Are Here Again
and the photographs and paintings at A New Deal for the Arts. Ask each student to choose a song and an artwork he or she thinks best depicts the era. Have students present their choices, along with a brief explanation for them, to the class.

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