"Turtle in Paradise" Book Review

1.      Bibliography

Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN 978037583688

2.      Plot Summary

Set during the Great Depression, eleven year old Turtle is sent away to live in Key West with relatives she has never met after her mother accepts a job as a housekeeper and her boss does not like children.  Times are hard for everyone, and although her Aunt Minnie and the family don’t have much, she offers Turtle a place to stay.  Turtle struggles with wanting a home of her own with her mother and it doesn’t help that her cousin, Bean, is not very welcoming and won’t allow Turtle in his gang of friends and business partners.  Things start to turn for Turtle when she begins to take lunch to her cranky Nana Philly (who she did not know about) and after starting to break through with her, and giving her cat to her when it is accused of making messes at Aunt Minnie’s, Turtle finds a treasure map in her grandmother’s piano and decides to go on a treasure hunt.  She recruits her cousin and the gang, they steal a boat, and begin the hunt.  After the group decides to give up, Turtle literally runs into the treasure!  Their excitement turns to fear as they end up stranded on the island and terrified that they will even make it home.  Turtle and the gang are finally rescued by friends, return to Key West, and are greeted with a crowd and reporters all excited about the treasure.  Turtle’s mother returns and she is thrilled to learn her mother has married Archie, who has promised a home and a happy ending.  This “Hollywood ending” is short lived when Turtle and her mom learn Archie took Turtle’s cut of the treasure and fled, leaving them with broken hearts and shattered dreams.  Not only does Turtle learn about her family, who her real father is, and dreams can be shattered, she also learns the value of family and true relationships.

3.      Critical Analysis

Jennifer Holm tells a story based on actual family tales.  She shares in a note that her great grandmother emigrated from the Bahamas to Key West in 1897.  Readers will enjoy the real places and true look into life on Key West during the Depression.  Holm’s even includes a real-life reporter, Ernest Hemingway, in the story.  Readers will connect with Turtle and her longing for family and a happy ending.  She is smart, strong, helpful, and wise beyond her years.  She even breaks down barriers between a cranky grandmother she never knew about and gives her a cut in the treasure since she found the map in her house.  Readers enjoy getting to know Turtle.  She has a tough hard shell on the outside, but her Uncle points out that a turtle has a soft belly underneath.  The message includes money does not bring you happiness, and sometimes your dreams coming true isn’t exactly what you had in mind…but family and being surrounded by people who care about you is a great treasure.  This historical novel includes many resources at the back of the book including an author’s note, acknowledgments, websites, and photos.

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

Newberry Honor 2011

Texas Bluebonnet Nominee 2011-2012

Kirkus Review – “ Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic…”

5.      Connections

*The Author provides several resources and websites at the back of the book.  Students will explore those resources.

*Students will write “Letters Home to Mom” from Turtle’s point of view about what is happening in Key West.