BIBLIOGRAPHY
Holm, Jennifer L. 2010. Turtle in Paradise. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 978-0-375-83688-6
SUMMARY
This is the story of Turtle, an 11 year old girl living in New Jersey with her mother in 1935. When Turtle's mother gets a job cleaning a lady's house who doesn't like children, Turtle is consequently sent to the Florida Keys to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Turtle has never met this part of her family and has no idea what to expect.
Initially, Turtle feels like an outsider. She doesn't understand why all the people in her new town have silly nicknames, never wear shoes, and say crazy things like, "bungy" and "alligator pear." But the more time she spends with her cousins Beans, Kermit, and Buddy and their Diaper Gang, the more she comes out of her shell and feels like she belongs. For once in her life she finally has friends.
The novel reaches its climax when Turtle and the boys set sail for one of the smaller keys, looking for Black Caesar's buried treasure. While they triumphantly find the treasure, their dream quickly turns into a nightmare when they realize their boat is gone, and they are trapped on the island during a terrible hurricane. They are, of course, rescued eventually, and the sale of their newfound treasure leaves them each with an enormous sum of money.
Turtle realizes the true treasure, however, is the loving family she is now a part of. As Turtle would say, the story doesn't have a Hollywood ending, but it is a satisfying one that lets the readers know she is going to be alright.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jennifer Holm was inspired to write this story by her great-grandmother, who emigrated with her family from the Bahamas to Key West in the late 1800s. Many of the people and places in the book are based on people who actually lived there at the time. Stories her relatives shared helped Holm to create a truly authentic setting, right down to the Diaper Gang's secret diaper rash formula, to the ice cream man and the nickel in the bottom of the can trick. In addition, Holm conducted a plethora of research to help her story gain authenticity. She includes a detailed author's note at the back of the book, complete with actual photographs. There is also a reference page where she cites her outside sources.
In addition to being historically accurate, Holm's novel is an exceptional piece of literature. The characters she created, while being grounded in 1935, will certainly resonate with children today. Children will relate to Turtle when she feels like an outsider trying to fit in. The sense of adventure and mischief that was inherent in all of the little boys and in Turtle to some extent, is something kids growing up in the 21st century can relate to.
The possibility of buried treasure is something all children fantasize about. Both my 7 year old and my 5 year old have gone searching for buried treasure on several occasions. I think it was a brilliant idea on Holm's part to include this in her story. As she mentions in her author's note, "searching for pirate loot has always been a popular pastime in the Keys." She created a fictional adventure that was grounded in historical actions.
I was truly impressed with Holm's work. Geared towards children ages 9 - 13, Turtle in Paradise is a true gem. I look forward to reading more of Holm's books!
REVIEW EXCERPTS
2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011 Golden Kite Award
2011 ALA Notable Children's Book
From KIRKUS REVIEWS - "Turtle's discovery of the charms of family is as valuable as the pirate treasure the children weather a hurricane to find. 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."
From 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."
From BOOKLIST - "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."
CONNECTIONS
Incorporate this novel in a social studies unit on the Great Depression. After reading it, have students do research on the Great Depression.
Go to the author's website and click on the link for a tour in pictures of Turtle's Key West. Her web address is jenniferholm.com
Have your class make their own "Cut-Up." Have each student bring in some fruit or vegetables. Mix them together and enjoy.
Show your class this Youtube clip of Shirley Temple On the Good Ship Lollipop
Initially, Turtle feels like an outsider. She doesn't understand why all the people in her new town have silly nicknames, never wear shoes, and say crazy things like, "bungy" and "alligator pear." But the more time she spends with her cousins Beans, Kermit, and Buddy and their Diaper Gang, the more she comes out of her shell and feels like she belongs. For once in her life she finally has friends.
The novel reaches its climax when Turtle and the boys set sail for one of the smaller keys, looking for Black Caesar's buried treasure. While they triumphantly find the treasure, their dream quickly turns into a nightmare when they realize their boat is gone, and they are trapped on the island during a terrible hurricane. They are, of course, rescued eventually, and the sale of their newfound treasure leaves them each with an enormous sum of money.
Turtle realizes the true treasure, however, is the loving family she is now a part of. As Turtle would say, the story doesn't have a Hollywood ending, but it is a satisfying one that lets the readers know she is going to be alright.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Jennifer Holm was inspired to write this story by her great-grandmother, who emigrated with her family from the Bahamas to Key West in the late 1800s. Many of the people and places in the book are based on people who actually lived there at the time. Stories her relatives shared helped Holm to create a truly authentic setting, right down to the Diaper Gang's secret diaper rash formula, to the ice cream man and the nickel in the bottom of the can trick. In addition, Holm conducted a plethora of research to help her story gain authenticity. She includes a detailed author's note at the back of the book, complete with actual photographs. There is also a reference page where she cites her outside sources.
In addition to being historically accurate, Holm's novel is an exceptional piece of literature. The characters she created, while being grounded in 1935, will certainly resonate with children today. Children will relate to Turtle when she feels like an outsider trying to fit in. The sense of adventure and mischief that was inherent in all of the little boys and in Turtle to some extent, is something kids growing up in the 21st century can relate to.
The possibility of buried treasure is something all children fantasize about. Both my 7 year old and my 5 year old have gone searching for buried treasure on several occasions. I think it was a brilliant idea on Holm's part to include this in her story. As she mentions in her author's note, "searching for pirate loot has always been a popular pastime in the Keys." She created a fictional adventure that was grounded in historical actions.
I was truly impressed with Holm's work. Geared towards children ages 9 - 13, Turtle in Paradise is a true gem. I look forward to reading more of Holm's books!
REVIEW EXCERPTS
2011 Newbery Honor Book
2011 Golden Kite Award
2011 ALA Notable Children's Book
From KIRKUS REVIEWS - "Turtle's discovery of the charms of family is as valuable as the pirate treasure the children weather a hurricane to find. 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."
From 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."
From BOOKLIST - "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."
CONNECTIONS
Incorporate this novel in a social studies unit on the Great Depression. After reading it, have students do research on the Great Depression.
Go to the author's website and click on the link for a tour in pictures of Turtle's Key West. Her web address is jenniferholm.com
Have your class make their own "Cut-Up." Have each student bring in some fruit or vegetables. Mix them together and enjoy.
Show your class this Youtube clip of Shirley Temple On the Good Ship Lollipop
Create a Treasure Hunt for your students. Questions to assess student understanding of the novel can be the basis for the clues. The actual treasure can be anything you deem appropriate for your students.
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