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k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
4.0
Reading Turtle in Paradise was like reading the Our Gang tv show. Meant for a middle grade audience this Depression Era book is set in Key West and tells the story of a plucky young girl and her cousins the Diaper Gang.
briarrose1021's review against another edition
5.0
A heartwarming story about life in a slower time. It's 1935 and jobs are tough to find. When Turtle's mom gets a new cleaning job, she's not allowed to have her daughter with her, so she sends Turtle to the Florida Keys, to live with Turtle's aunt. Life in the Keys is a lot different than the life Turtle is used to in New Jersey and she struggles to find her place among all of her male cousins.
But between tagging along with the diaper gang, hanging out with Mrs. Philly, and learning about a hidden treasure, there's a lot to keep Turtle busy until her mom sends for her.
This was a great story to listen to. Narrated by Becca Battoe, it was easy to get lost in the story. The characters are fleshed out pretty well for a middle-grades book, and the names of the various characters are hysterical. At just under 4 hours, this is a book that I'll be listening to again in the future, whenever I need a vacation to a simpler, if not better, time.
howattp's review against another edition
4.0
This is what I was looking for in my historical fiction search. Excellent.
I really enjoyed this short, nostalgic tale about life in Key West. It was great.
I really enjoyed this short, nostalgic tale about life in Key West. It was great.
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
Nicely written, lots of historical detail, well-researched... I'd hand it to fans of books like Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes, The Higher Power of Lucky, etc.
msbucher's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
mockingthebird's review against another edition
3.0
A great well written book, the ending was abrupt but appropriate going along with what’s been happening. I wish all the heart felt parts weren’t squished into a couple of chapters at the end. I also wish it hadn’t ended in the way it did, but it made it more realistic. People don’t always stick around long and that’s something important to teach, especially to younger kids.
stevie_b's review against another edition
3.5
Great historical fiction, I love how the author has the bit in the back that talks about what the actual inspirations were for her book. I was worried it was going to be tied up a little too well with a pretty bow, Spoiler but Holm did a great job making the ending poignant and leaves hope for their future after taking their happy ending away. Plot is interesting without being too complicated for kids, a linear plot that has some flashbacks. The characters are good, and Holm does a good job of giving the members of The Diaper Gang distinct voices. She also did a really good job of introducing the readers to a world they probably aren't familiar with.
ejmiddleton's review against another edition
4.0
Henry tried reading this on his own, and said he hated it. We read it aloud, and he declared, "I really misjudged this!"
I loved it. I loved the writing and the plot. I was reminded of my favorite ever class in school, where two teachers taught history through literature - this did that! We learned about Shirley Temple, Fred and Ginger, Necco wafers, the depression, poverty, Key West, slang, and disappointment. There was a four year old so right on we thought he was Oliver. Also, for a lesson on similes, look no further.
I loved it. I loved the writing and the plot. I was reminded of my favorite ever class in school, where two teachers taught history through literature - this did that! We learned about Shirley Temple, Fred and Ginger, Necco wafers, the depression, poverty, Key West, slang, and disappointment. There was a four year old so right on we thought he was Oliver. Also, for a lesson on similes, look no further.
ofpagesandink's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Had to read this for school.
Super cute story! It's not specifically a coming of age story but it's definitely about one finding a home where you least expect it and I think that's a lesson a lot of people have to learn in their lives. You can dream of better things but sometimes the best things are right in front of you.
Super cute story! It's not specifically a coming of age story but it's definitely about one finding a home where you least expect it and I think that's a lesson a lot of people have to learn in their lives. You can dream of better things but sometimes the best things are right in front of you.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this historic fiction graphic novel, taking place on Key West during the Depression. Good story, fun characters, excellent artwork.