Historical Fiction

Turtle In Paradise

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Yearling. ISBN 9780375836909

Times are tough all over, but things just got really tough for eleven-year-old Turtle.  It's 1935, the middle of the Great Depression, and   Turtle's mom takes a job as a maid. The new boss doesn't allow children so Turtle is sent to Key West, Florida to stay with an aunt she has never meet. Turtle's strong character shines as she endures a house of boy cousins and family secrets.  While most people are trying to escape the tough times through funny papers and movies starring Shirley Temple, Turtle understands there are no real life happy endings.  Through some entertaining events Turtle comes to realize that happy endings aren't always delivered like they are in the movies, but they are real.

As soon as Turtle arrives in Key West, the setting becomes a character in the book.  The heat, unusual food, and even people's names reveal a culture that is unique and unexpected.  As Turtle begins to unravel some family secrets, the reader also finds out some of the local history.  Although the Great Depression had an impact on every area in the United States, this story points out that every area dealt with the hardships in a distinct and sometimes unique way. The photos included at the back of the book inform the reader of how Turtle's story came to the author. The characters are rough, but extremely believable as they reflect a hard time in history. 

2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011 Golden Kite Award
Kirkus Review - "sweet, funny and superb."
Booklist - "Just the right mixture of knowingness and hope . . . a hilarious blend of family drama seasoned with a dollop of adventure."

*Have a cut-up, like the one mentioned in the book-every student bring an item to mix together
*Show a video of Shirley Temple (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLLSqpYyPD8) and discuss why Turtle dislikes her.
*Make a movie trailer about the book.