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Turtle in Paradise

Audiobook
0 of 2 copies available
0 of 2 copies available
In Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple
She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's 1935 and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce. So when Turtle's mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn't like kids, Turtle says goodbye without a tear and heads off to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she's never met. Florida's like nothing Turtle's ever seen before though. It's hot and strange, full of rag tag boy cousins, family secrets, scams, and even buried pirate treasure! Before she knows what's happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of the shell she's spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways. Filled with adventure, humor and heart, Turtle in Paradise is an instant classic both boys and girls with love.
Includes an Author's Note with photographs and further background on the Great Depression, as well as additional resources and websites.
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews:
"Sweet, funny and superb."
Starred Review, Booklist:
"Just the right mixture of knowingness and hope . . . a hilarious blend of family drama seasoned with a dollop of adventure."
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  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Becca Battoe narrates the story of 11-year-old Turtle, who is exiled to her mother's childhood home of Key West during the summer of 1935. There she discovers a whole new world of quirky relatives and island adventures. Surrounded by her boisterous male cousins, Turtle must use all of her wits and courage to make a place for herself and discover her family history. Battoe gives Turtle a smart, no-nonsense voice that perfectly mirrors the girl's spirited and candid personality. Battoe also deftly portrays each supporting character--from 4-year-old Buddy to the Cuban-born "Pork Chop"--with a unique and authentic voice. A delightfully adept performance. K.O. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from May 3, 2010
      Turtle, the witty 11-year-old narrator of this standout historical novel, is a straight shooter: “Everyone thinks children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I’ve lived long enough to know the truth: kids are rotten.” When her romantic and unrealistic mother, who’s always falling in and out of love, gets a housekeeping job that won’t allow children, she sends Turtle to her estranged family in Depression-era Key West. Though her mother hails Key West as paradise, Turtle initially think it’s a dump (“Truth is, the place looks like a broken chair that’s been left out in the sun to rot”). Two-time Newbery Honor author Holm again crafts a winning heroine who, despite her hardened exterior, gradually warms to her eccentric family members, including her unruly cousins and waspish grandmother (who Turtle thought was dead). 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. Ages 8–12.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:610
  • Text Difficulty:2-3

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