Reviews

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

ohemgeebooks's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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

4.0

readtotheend's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

I really enjoyed the Key West setting where the author's family is from and you can tell its a special place to her! The Diaper Gang and Slow Poke and the other cast of characters were fun. I mean with a main character named Turtle and other characters who have names like Beans, Kermit, Porkchop and Buddy you know it will grab the attention of middle grade readers. It brings us back to the 1930s although I personally didn't feel too much of that era shining through besides references to Shirley Temple and the Little Orphan Annie cartoons.  If we swapped out the references I think it could still read like a modern day story, not historical which says a lot about the main story.  It was a good read for me but not sure how much it will stay with me in the future. The audiobook narration was great, recommend it on audio or in print.

whineosaur's review against another edition

5.0

ALL RIGHT. 1935, Key West, poor kids running around being mischievous, wonderful nicknames, wonderful characters, pirate gold. NOTHING NOT TO LOVE.

dpsmom's review against another edition

inspiring sad medium-paced

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

3.0

Read this with my 10 yo daughter to have a mini family book club discussion.  It's decent for what it us: an upper elementary/low middle school book. Very predictable (to be expected in a book geared for this age). My two biggest gripes were the storyline (seemed like a wannabe mystery--this element wasn't developed even and seemed like it was just thrown in) and the character names. The character names were things like Slow Poke and while this might be customary for names of native Key West inhabitants, I could see it being very difficult for younger readers to keep track of all the ridiculous names. 

shaunarum's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this sweet middle-grade novel set in the Florida Keys during the Depression. I think it would make a good read-aloud and that it would spark some interesting conversations.

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a little treasure. I have to admit that I was not thrilled when historical fiction carried the day this year as far as the Newbery winner and the Newbery honors... especially when Moon Over Manifest and Turtle in Paradise both feature female protagonists sent away from home during the Great Depression. But they are two very different stories, and Jennifer Holm did a lovely job of enabling me to embrace Turtle and the various people she meets in Key West.

allicatca's review against another edition

2.0

I wasn't fond of this book although my 10-year-old son liked it well enough. We loved [b:The Third Mushroom|38398145|The Third Mushroom|Jennifer L. Holm|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524583540l/38398145._SY75_.jpg|59947087] and [b:The Fourteenth Goldfish|19156898|The Fourteenth Goldfish|Jennifer L. Holm|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386092727l/19156898._SY75_.jpg|27112723] so I had high expectations for this book.

There were just TOO MANY CHARACTERS. With interesting but weird nicknames. I had trouble keeping track of who was who.

I also found the story slow and uninteresting.

vtsarahd's review against another edition

5.0

Loved all of the charming characters in this book! There were some humorous moments when I caught myself laughing out loud at what characters said or did. The details of Great Depression life in Key West are masterfully woven into the storyline. Would definitely recommend to middle grade readers!

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

3.0

Really cute graphic novel. The Little Rascals meets Key West. Loved the end mater, the authors notes and photographs and how this novel was inspired by her family history.

gmamartha's review against another edition

4.0

Historical fiction. The setting is the best part. This story could not have taken place anywhere besides the Florida keys.