Turtle in Paradise

By Holm, Jennifer L.

Publishers Summary:
Inspired by family stories, two-time Newbery Honor winner and New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Holm beautifully blends family lore with America's past in this charming gem of a novel, rich in historical detail, humor, and the unique flavors of Key West.Life isn't like the movies, and eleven-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple. She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's 1935, and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce. So when Turtle's mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn't like kids, Turtle says goodbye without a tear and heads off to Key West, Florida, to stay with relatives she's never met.Florida's like nothing Turtle has ever seen. It's hot and strange, full of wild green peeping out between houses, ragtag boy cousins, and secret treasure. Before she knows what's happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of the shell she has spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways.

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ISBN
978-0-37583-688-6
Publisher
Random House Books for Young Readers


REVIEWS

School Library Journal

Reviewed on April 1, 2010

Gr 3-5 In 1935, jobs are hard to come by, and Turtle's mother is lucky to find work as a live-in housekeeper. When she learns that her employer can't stand children, she sends her 11-year-old daughter from...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Horn Book Magazine

Reviewed on May 1, 2010  |  

Narrator Turtle's voice is tart and world-weary, and she is under no illusions about her own kind, declaring, "Kids are rotten." It's 1935, and when her housekeeper mother's new job doesn't allow children, she is sent to live with her aunt in Key West, where everyone goes without shoes and is called by a nickname like Pork Chop or Slow Poke. With her ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Horn Book Guide

Reviewed on January 1, 2010

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 he...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Junior Library Guild

Reviewed on September 1, 2010

A charming, richly detailed novel with a strong sense of place. Turtle is a memorable protagonist, and her engaging narration is witty and humorous. Other vibrant characters include a vividly realized cast of boys (Turtle’s th...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

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