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A review by lisadolak
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I read it because it is on the Elementary Battle of the Books list. That, however, is what I do not like about it.
A young girl, Turtle, needs to go to Key West to stay with family she has never met while her mother works as a housekeeper. This is set a few years after The Great Depression while things are still in the recovery phase. She is a bit of an old soul and the story is told from her perspective. She dreams of the day she and her mother will be able to buy their own house. Of course, while in Key West, she and her cousins get into some interesting situations. There is a Diaper Gang, Pirate Treasure, scorpions, food she has never seen before, and the wonderful people of Duval Street (even Key West's most famous writer makes an appearance). I'd like to say that Turtle learns a lot about life as the story progresses, but she is already so street smart, I don't really think that happens.
This book has way too much that 4th and 5th graders just won't get. I know at least 3 of my students have read it and they loved it. However, I know they missed a lot of the deeper issues. That is not the author's or book's fault. I don't think this book is really intended for 9 and 10 year olds. It is much more well-suited for Young Adult readers. I just don't believe it belongs on this list.
So, if you are looking for a sweet story with interesting characters, a bit of humor, suspense, a bit of local (Key West) history and drama. This is a good choice. Younger readers will probably not 'get' everything from the book, but I know for a fact they will enjoy it!
I recommend this to CY because I know how much she enjoys Key West.
A young girl, Turtle, needs to go to Key West to stay with family she has never met while her mother works as a housekeeper. This is set a few years after The Great Depression while things are still in the recovery phase. She is a bit of an old soul and the story is told from her perspective. She dreams of the day she and her mother will be able to buy their own house. Of course, while in Key West, she and her cousins get into some interesting situations. There is a Diaper Gang, Pirate Treasure, scorpions, food she has never seen before, and the wonderful people of Duval Street (even Key West's most famous writer makes an appearance). I'd like to say that Turtle learns a lot about life as the story progresses, but she is already so street smart, I don't really think that happens.
This book has way too much that 4th and 5th graders just won't get. I know at least 3 of my students have read it and they loved it. However, I know they missed a lot of the deeper issues. That is not the author's or book's fault. I don't think this book is really intended for 9 and 10 year olds. It is much more well-suited for Young Adult readers. I just don't believe it belongs on this list.
So, if you are looking for a sweet story with interesting characters, a bit of humor, suspense, a bit of local (Key West) history and drama. This is a good choice. Younger readers will probably not 'get' everything from the book, but I know for a fact they will enjoy it!
I recommend this to CY because I know how much she enjoys Key West.