Reviews

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

jengennari's review

5.0

Love the spunky main character! And I was struck by how the ending wasn't happily ever after, just the way life is. (so cool to have just met the author, too--thanks Jenni for inspiring talk at SCBWI.)

tcbueti's review

4.0

Unusual setting and time for this novel of a girl sent to Key West during the Depression--her housekeeper mother's employer doesn't want a child in her house. Turtle ends up with an aunt who is already struggling to keep up with her own children, whose husband is away most of the time. Turtle's cousins are not that thrilled to have her there--she gets her own room, forcing them to double up. But they gradually win each other over and have several adventures, all very atmospheric and seafaring.

I found the ending a bit abrupt, but it made sense and left room for some satisfying developments.

mon_ique's review

5.0

So overwhelmed! Will write more later.

Months later..
Still overwhelmed! I'll have to read it again and write a review, care. fu. lly.

clarkco's review

4.0

Really great story to listen to an audio - definitely deserved the Newbery honor.

jessalynn_librarian's review

3.0

Holm writes fantastically engaging historical fiction, pulling you in with just enough detail and marvelous characters. The plot here felt a bit thin, even given the compact quality of the book, with a few turns that stretched credibility for me. Apart from that, the characters and setting are excellent and I'd recommend this to young historical fiction fans.

azajacks's review

4.0

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quietjenn's review

4.0

lovely little slice of historical fiction about the summer on young girl spends on key west in the 1930s. very affecting and great details that really give you a sense of place.

robinks's review against another edition

adventurous informative lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I enjoyed this graphic novel! The story lends itself well to this medium. Children might not understand some of the more nuanced family issues that I understood as an adult reader, but otherwise the illustrations were great in conveying the feelings of each character and painting a cool picture of Key West during the Great Depression.

bethnellvaccaro's review

3.0

Not bad! Some parts were great, like the diaper gang. That had me laughing.

abbeysoffel's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5