Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer M.  2010. Turtle in Paradise. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 9780375936883

PLOT SUMMARY

Set in Key West in 1935, Holm takes readers on a journey to a place that is unique, yet surprising simple as the people who inhabit it.  When Turtle is no longer able to live with her mother, she is sent to live with her an aunt she hasn’t met in Key West.  Suddenly, Turtle’s family grows from a family of two (sometimes three) to a family of five.  Wise beyond her 11 years, Turtle adapts to life on the island and works to fit in with the “Diaper Gang”.  Reminiscent of the “Little Rascals” this “gang” takes care of neighbors’ babies, including curing their diaper rash with the gang’s special formula in exchange for candy.  Life takes a turn for Turtle when she meets her cantankerous grandmother she believed to be dead and discovers a map to a secret treasure.  Not one to shy away from adventure, Turtle and some of the “gang” slip away in the early morning to look for the lost treasure, in hopes of becoming rich.  Turtle quickly finds out the true meaning of family, and that sometimes going home means you stay right where you are.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Based on family stories, Turtle in Paradise offers a small glimpse at life on Key West during the Depression.  Through Turtle’s perspective, readers are able to see how many people of the Depression generation developed perseverance, but yet managed to live happily when resources were at a minimal.  Readers will take delight in the characters’ abilities to make the most of simple things, and find joy in   simply surviving difficulties and hardships.  Despite Turtle’s longing to be with her mother, she develops bonds with the family she never knew, including a grandmother whom she believed to be dead.  This scenario is one that many young readers may be able to identify with, and it brings a timeless feel to the story.  While situations like these were very common for the era, there are some readers who will see that there are some problems that transcend time.  The story is cut-short at the end, and the resolution feels “undone”.   The reader is left with questions unanswered, which is somewhat problematic as it is a stand-alone book.

The author’s note at the end of the book adds richness and a personal touch to the story.  Through the use of pictures, young readers are given context to the lives people lived on Key West which further brings the story to life and brings authenticity.  Through the author’s note readers learn that the events of the story were based on real family experiences.  It’s almost like listening to a family tell family jokes and stories.  Not only do young readers get a glimpse of life in the Depression, they are able to see real photos of cultural icons of the day. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Newbery Honor Medal, 2010

“. . . . 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

“Sweet, funny and superb.” – Kirkus

CONNECTIONS

Students will enjoy finding out more about the cultural icons of the day.  Shirley Temple, Little Orphan Annie, and the Shadow are all references that would be a great research. 

Show clips of “The Little Rascals” to give students context to “gangs” of the day similar to the “Diaper Gang”.

Have students create a travel brochure of Key West, Florida, making sure they highlight key historical pieces of information such as the hurricane that struck in 1935, Ernest Hemingway, and possible pirate treasures that may have been left behind.