Turtle In Paradise

 Bibliography: Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York: Random House. ISBN 9780375836886

Plot Summary: It is 1935 and times are hard for Americans: the stock market has crashed; the country is trying to avoid war. Turtle lives with her mother but is shipped to Key West, Florida when her mother’s new boss declares that she does not like kids.  Turtle goes to live with her aunt and cousins.  Aunt Minnie isn’t thrilled to learn, unexpectedly that she is going to to be caring for Turtle because she has her hands full with the three boys and a husband who works away. Turtle adjusts to living in Key West but notices that its pretty slow for somewhere so beautiful. All the adults are busy with their lives and the kids play from sun-up until sunset.  Turtle decides one day that she needs a job to help earn money to buy the house that her Mama promised they will live in. Turtle gets work helping at the docks and when she’s not working, she is hanging out with her cousins and the other boys. One day, Turtle is hanging out with the boys aka Diaper Gang and one of them mentions about going to get food from a neighborhood lady who can cook really good.  They go and eat and then the lady tells one of the boys that he needs to drop off a dish to Nana Philly.  The boy isn’t thrilled about that but does what he is told. When they arrive at the house the Diaper Gang leaves one of their babies outside and Turtle’s little cousin, Buddy.  They go in and take the food to the caretaker and see Nana Philly just sitting in her chair. Turtle studies the woman and can’t believe how old she looks but at the same time familiar. Later, Turtle learns that Nana Philly is her grandmother.  Turtle can’t believe that Mama had lied to her about her grandmother being dead.  Turtle puts it out of her head and goes about her day.  As the story goes on, Turtle learns to enjoy being with family.  She is somewhat sad thinking of the day that she has to leave Key West. But before that happens, Turtle discovers a treasure map; goes on a search with the Diaper Gang and get stuck in a storm. Ultimately, Turtle learns that family isn’t so bad after all.

Critical Analysis: Jennifer Holm writes a cute story about a girl who goes to live with family in a small community set in Key West, Florida. While there are mentions of the “hard times” people have fallen on during a period called, The Great Depression; Miss Holm focuses more on the geography of Key West, the people of live there and where they originally came from, as well as showing how family can be there for one another even when time has passed. As someone, who is familiar with the history of The Great Depression as told through textbooks; I did some research (broad) to know what time period this happened in history and the cause as to why it occurred. I appreciate that Miss Holm chose to write about Turtle and set the story during this time in history but there were more mentions about Hollywood endings, Shirley Temple, and candy (Necco Wafers) than the sufferings of the people. It is a well-written story but I didn’t get a “times are hard” vibe from reading it.  I do want to go visit Key West and experience the food that Miss Holm writes about Turtle and the other characters eating in the story.

Review Excerpt(s):

Kirkus Reviews (starred):”Holm’s voice for Turtle is winning and authentic—that of a practical, clear-eyed observer—and her nimble way with dialogue creates laugh-out-loud moments. Sweet, funny and superb”

Publishers Weekly: “Infused with period pop culture references, a strong sense of place, and the unique traditions and culture of Key West natives (aka “Conchs”), this humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother’s Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family and geography that offer a different kind of paradise.”

Connections:

This story is good for talking about the geographic features of the Florida Keys. It is also a story in which various themes can be explored surrounding family and friendship.

This review are my own words and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.