by Jennifer L. Holm
2011 Newbery Honor Book
Holm presents the entertaining story of Turtle, the young daughter of a live-in housekeeper. When her mother takes a job working for a woman who despises children, Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt Minerva (Minnie) in Key West. Turtle's realist attitude and tough exterior come in handy as she settles into her new surroundings and adjusts to life with three rowdy male cousins: Beans, Kermit and Buddy. At first, she isn't allowed membership in her cousins' Diaper Gang, which cares for fussy babies and holds a secret formula for diaper rash. However, with her wit and accidental discovery of a treasure map, she ultimately gains their respect. Turtle and the Diaper Gang go on a nerve-racking adventure that keeps readers guessing. In the end, Turtle learns a great deal about the relatives she never knew, and most importantly, a valuable lesson about herself and the importance of family.
Turtle in Paradise is the perfect combination of history and fiction! The story is sprinkled with bits of historical information about Key West life during the Depression era. References to events, publications, and entertainers of the 1930s add educational value to the story itself, while photos and an author's note provide a more complete look at the period that inspired Turtle in Paradise.
Although the plot of Turtle in Paradise is wildly creative, the book's strength is in its details. Holm's descriptions are so vivid that readers can easily visualize every aspect of the story. As an adult, reading about how the youngsters spent their summer brought back memories of my own childhood and the imaginative ways I tried to entertain myself during summer months. The book is truly a work that can be appreciated by a wide range of ages and abilities.
Turtle in Paradise is the perfect combination of history and fiction! The story is sprinkled with bits of historical information about Key West life during the Depression era. References to events, publications, and entertainers of the 1930s add educational value to the story itself, while photos and an author's note provide a more complete look at the period that inspired Turtle in Paradise.
Although the plot of Turtle in Paradise is wildly creative, the book's strength is in its details. Holm's descriptions are so vivid that readers can easily visualize every aspect of the story. As an adult, reading about how the youngsters spent their summer brought back memories of my own childhood and the imaginative ways I tried to entertain myself during summer months. The book is truly a work that can be appreciated by a wide range of ages and abilities.
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