Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York: Random House. ISBN: 0375836888
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The setting takes place in 1935 in The Great Depression era. Eleven year old Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt Minnie after her mother takes a job as a live-in housekeeper and the mother's new employer will not allow children or her cat, Smokey, to live in the home where her mother will work. In Florida Turtle has to share a house with several male cousins who call themselves, “The Diaper Gang” because they take care of babies in exchange for treats or money. Turtle realizes how different Key West is and how people are different than what she is accustomed to. Surprisingly Turtle meets her grandmother after she was told she was dead. While at her grandmother's house Turtle finds a treasure map and endeavors with her cousins to find the treasure. Turtle is portrayed as a tough girl who takes on adventures with her cousins especially the mystery that surrounds Nana Philly and finding the treasure. In the end Turtle realizes that the people that love her are her family and that life is not always as it seems.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The book is narrated by the main character, Turtle. Holm gives a inspired account of her grandparents who lived in Key West during the depression. Since it is told in first person it gives an insight about the life of an eleven-year old. The theme of this book is about family unity. Even though it takes place during the Great Depression and money is scarce children in this story are not affected as it does in adults. It could be because of the close knit community in Key West. Children need to enjoy their childhood despite the circumstances and Holm made sure of that. The foods stated in the story were the authentic foods available in Key West at the time. Holm included them so that the reader can have a sense of reality. Can’t wait to read this book to my students and give them a sense of appreciation for their family!
An author’s note is included in the back of the book as well as photographs to show its authenticity. Several resources and websites are included so that the reader can research.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) AND AWARDS
*Newberry Honor
*Golden Kite award or Honor Award
*ALA-ALSC Childrens Notable Book
"Holm uses family stories as the basis for this tale, part romp, part steely-eyed look at the Depression era. " Booklist starred (April 15, 2010 (Vol. 106, No. 16))
"It's 1935, and narrator Turtle is
sent to live in Key West. With her stoic nature and quick wits, she's
able to fit in with her boy cousins. Turtle's voice is tart and
world-weary. Though her narrative is peppered with references from the
time, modern-day readers will have no trouble relating, and the
fast-moving plot will keep them interested to the end. Reading list,
websites." Horn Book starred (Fall 2010)
5. CONNECTIONS
*Show a preview video of The Great Depression from brain pop before reading book to activate any
prior knowledge they may have:
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/greatdepression/preview.weml
*Create a KWL chart about The Great Depression
*Pair students to read other books about this era:
Macaroni Boy by Katherine Ayres (For Boys)
The Miner’s Daughter by Gretchen Moran Laskas (For Girls)
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