Turtle in Paradise

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. Turtle In Paradise. New York, NY: Random House: ISBN 978-0375836886

PLOT SUMMARY

This story is set during the days of the Great Depression. The main character, Turtle, has to go live with her aunt in Florida, whom she’s never met, because her mom is going to work as a housekeeper, and she can’t take Turtle with her. Feeling like her mom is always dreaming of Hollywood happy endings, Turtle is not as optimistic. Once in Florida, she encounters new experiences and the grandmother she thought was dead. During a visit with her grandmother, she discovers a treasure map, which leads her and her cousins to go on an adventure. They end up being stranded on the island where they find the treasure, but are soon rescued. Just when things seem to be looking up, Turtle and her family soon learn what is truly important.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Turtle in Paradise takes place during the Great Depression, in the 1930’s. Holm’s includes real events, such as the Labor Day hurricane and the Dust Bowl, that adds to the authenticity of the book. He also mentions famous people of the time such as Ernest Hemingway, Shirley Temple, and Annie. Details such as the Ford Model A that belongs to Mr. Edgit, which gives the reader a clear picture of the time period. She utilizes the characters and their dialogue to support the mindset of that time, as shown when she writes, “Mr. Edgit has a lot of opinions. He says folks in the Dust Bowl wouldn’t be having so much trouble if they’d just move near some water. He says he doesn’t think President Roosevelt will get us out of this Depression and that if you give someone money for not working why would they ever bother to get a job?” This adds to the desperation that the people felt during this time, as they fought to survive.

During the time of the Great Depression, parents worked a lot to make ends meet, leaving many children to fend for themselves. Although Turtle fell in this same category, there was a deeper loneliness to her character. She describes her mom as always falling in love with men that are like “dandelions.” After arriving in Florida, Turtle finds that she is not alone. The extended family she’s never met shows her there is more to life, supporting the family theme throughout the story.

Holm’s descriptions of Key West are vivid as she says, “It’s the green peeping out everywhere that catches my eye…like Mother Nature is trying to pretty up the place” (pg. 14). The imagery her details create help the reader feel like they are actually there with Turtle. Her character development is important to the story, as it helps the reader understand Turtle’s inner thoughts and emotions.

A detailed author's note is included at the end of the book which gives some background information about Holm’s family and the inspiration for her book. She includes photographs that provide authenticity and supports her text. She also gives a list of resources and websites that she used and can be a source for further research.   

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Honor Award

*Starred review in Booklist: “ Holm uses family stories as the basis for this tale, part romp, part steely-eyed look at the Depression era. Reminiscent of Addie in the movie Paper Moon, 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.”

*Starred review in the School Library Journal: "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." 

CONNECTIONS

*Invite students to read other books by Jennifer Holm:

Penny from Heaven. ISBN 030793151X

Our Only May Amelia. ISBN 0064408566

*Invite students to read other historical fiction books:

Vawter, Vince. Paperboy. ISBN 0142405965

Tarshis, Lauren. I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912. ISBN 0545206944