Book Review: Turtle in Paradise

 Book Review: Historical Fiction

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm (224 pages)

1. Bibliography:

Holm, J. L. (2016). Turtle in paradise. Yearling Newbery.

2. Plot Summary: The character Turtle must leave her home to go live with family in Key West, FL. This is due to the fact that they are struggling financially during the Great Depression in 1935. Turtle is tough and brave. She is sent away without her mother and learns to adapt, no matter how strange this place is to her. The escapades that she goes through with her cousins are exciting and hilarious. This is a book that makes you feel how in a way that when struggle is common, it becomes a part of your life, something you have to deal with, with little choice in the matter.

3. Critical Review: This book of historical fiction is so because of the time period during the Great Depression in the United States. It is a common story as this time period made necessary. Families and communities were often broken apart as people went and did what they had to to survive. Although the topic could be depressing, the story is not. It is so entertaining. The author makes the setting a large part of the story lending to the wild nature of the events and circumstances.

4. Review Excerpt/s:

"A lively adaptation certain to entertain readers old and new." - Kirkus Reviews

Newbery Medal Honor Book

Golden Kite Award

5. Connections:

This book could be compared to other books that define the human experience of the Great Depression.

Explore the Great Depression on Britannica Kids: Great Depression - In Depth

Extend the topic by reading another book by Jennifer Holm, Full of Beans.

Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson.