Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holmes
Bibliography
Holm, J. L. (2010). Turtle in Paradise. Random House. ISBN 9780375836886
Plot Summary
During the Great Depression, life is tough, but so is a girl named Turtle. Receiving her name due to her realistic approach to life, Turtle is often the one to pick up the pieces for her mother when things don’t go as planned. When her mother gets a job cleaning house for a rich woman, room and board are included, but not for children. Turtle’s mother decides it's best to send Turtle to live with relatives in Key West, Florida. The only catch is….she’s never met them. Coming from New Jersey, Key West is far different from what Turtle is used to - humidity and heat, unruly cousins, and unique Cuban culture. Turtle’s in for an adventure and soon comes out of her tough shell. She begins to understand why everyone in Key West has a nickname, why no one ever wears shoes, and how the city became a tourist destination and a place to search for pirate treasure! More importantly, Turtle finds out why her mother has hidden so much about their family in Florida from her and the inner workings of the Curry clan.
Critical Analysis
Set in Key West, Florida in 1935, author Jennifer Holms presents a historical fiction story readers will relate to. The Newbery Honor novel, Turtle in Paradise, presents a young girl whose realistic outlook on life is the opposite of her mother's. Turtle’s practical ways and attitude help her cope with events in her life that are beyond her control. Being sent to live with her extended family while her mother works back home during the Depression provides Turtle with unique experiences. During this time, readers are given specific details related to Key West during the Great Depression and an idea of what life was like. Her uncle worked out of town to help provide for his family while her aunt stayed home and did laundry for others to make ends meet. The main character also makes many references to iconic characters at the time like Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie. Author, Jennifer Holms, makes use of many of her childhood memories and stories told to her by her grandmother, who immigrated to Key West in the late 1800s. She also incorporates many aspects of the Florida Keys during the Depression such as public relief, the search for real pirate treasure, iconic places and people (Ernest Hemingway), and a hurricane that hinders the economy. Readers will be captivated by this story of perseverance, hope, disappointment, and learning the true meaning of family.
Review Excerpt(s)
“Sweet, funny and superb” - Kirkus
"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." - Booklist
"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." - School Library Journal
Newbery Honor Book
Connections
For additional activities related to the book:
**Activities can be found at https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780553510362_3414.pdf
Students select and create a character outline that includes physical descriptions as well as specific traits.
Identify an overall theme or message in the story, such as identity, independence, struggle, or change. Discuss by describing how the writer develops this theme throughout the novel, and how it is relevant today.
Discussion: Turtle and her mama have very specific dreams regarding the house they want to own. What does it symbolize to them? Does the dream change? Does the dream become a reality? Why, or why not?
Silverman, E. R., Kennedy, S., & Adamczyk, M. (n.d.). Three Time Newbery Honor-Winning Author Jennifer L. Holm. Educators’ guide - penguin random house. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://images.randomhouse.com/promo_image/9780553510362_3414.pdf
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