TURTLE IN PARADISE

1.   BIBLIOGRAPHY

HOLM, Jennifer L. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE, New York, NY:  Random House, Inc. ISBN 9780375936883

2.   PLOT SUMMARY

In TURTLES IN PARADISE a young girl is forced to leave her New Jersey home and her mother because her mother gets a new job as a maid during the Great Depression.  The girl named “Turtle” goes to stay at her Aunts house in Florida at Key West. 

She meets her cousins, grandmother and a man that is later revealed to be her dad.  With her cousins and friends, they find a treasure worth $20,000 dollars.  Her mom comes to pick her up, bringing her new step-dad and the step-dad runs off to Cuba with her share of the treasure. 

3.   CRITICAL ANAYSIS 

This historical fiction book for young readers is a simple yet mystical story that touches your soul with love and belonging.  The smart, yet strong willed girl with nothing learns that she has family and friends that care for her.  She goes through challenges and meets her crazy cousins. 

You start to believe the story because of the historical references to the Great Depression, President Roosevelt and Shirley Temple.  The story also gives memorable examples of history including breadlines, Woolworth’s Department store and Mary Jane shoes.  There is even a reference to Mr. Hemmingway himself. 

4.   REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2011 Newbery Book

Golden Kite Award

5.   CONNECTIONS

*Read stories by Hemmingway

*Research the history of the Great Depression