Book Review on Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Please note that this blog has been created as an assignment for a TWU course.

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. TURTLE IN PARADISE. New York, NY: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375836888

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

During the Great Depression, it was difficult for almost everyone.  Eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt in Florida while her mother stays behind in Jersey to work as a live-in maid for a wealthy person who does not like kids.  This is nothing new to Turtle because she has played the role of the adult because her mother somewhat lives with her head in the clouds believing that everything will work out just like it does in the movies.  Turtle’s mother goes from man to man thinking that each relationship will be the one that will change everything; she and her daughter would then have the perfect family.  Once Turtle reaches Florida, she realizes that things are not what they seem.  She meets a grandmother that she never knew existed, finds a treasure map in an old piano, finds the treasure, gets her mother back and the man her mother thinks is the perfect man, and her treasure stolen by that man.  Turtle then realizes that the perfect family is not necessarily what is portrayed on the big screen and that her family offers a different kind of paradise.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

It is too often that the idea of the perfect family that includes a loving mom and dad in a beautiful house with a white picket fence is imposed in books and the media.  It sends the message that this is what should be for everyone.  However, every family is unique and what works for one family may not work for another.  Turtle is smart, intuitive, and dependent and is a character that children can easily connect with.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Infused with period pop culture references, a strong sense of place, and the unique traditions and culture of Key West natives, 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.”

Review in CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: “Holm is relentless in pushing her young character to the edge, with apparent triumph quickly followed by heartbreak.  Breathe, and there’s reconciliation, and a picture-perfect hope dawning once more.

Review in KIRKUS: “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.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about different types of families, this is a book that encourages empathy and sharing.

*Other books written by Jennifer Holm:

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. BOSTON JANE: AN ADVENTURE. ISBN 9780375862045

Holm, Jennifer. 2010. BOSTON JANE: WILDERNESS DAYS. ISBN 9780375862052

Holm, Jennifer. 2007. PENNY FROM HEAVEN. ISBN 0375836896

Holm, Jennifer. 2003. THE CREEK. ISBN 006000133X