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Turtle in Paradise
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
47 posts | 39 read | 11 to read
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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review
Cjloftus
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Mehso-so

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm tells the story of a girl named Turtle who has never expected a fairytale ending. She lives in 1935 where money and jobs are scarce and her mom gets a job that doesn‘t allow kids. She moves to live with family she doesn‘t even know all the way in Key West Florida.

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Kenyazero
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

I haven‘t read the novel, but the graphic novel adaptation was pretty interesting. I loved the Diaper Gang and their dedication to helping their community by just taking care of babies for free. The storm scenes were interesting, and added some fun drama. The setting is well portrayed as well. Content warnings for abandonment and economic hardship. #Comic #Adaptation

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SarahBradley
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” - Mary Schmich Traveled to Florida, Massachusetts, in South Carolina in the #middlegrademarch reads. #savvysettings @Eggs

Eggs Great books! 2y
11 likes1 comment
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charl08
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Fabulous YA GN. Recommended.

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charl08
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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#TheGraphicNovel such a sweet story. Loved this bit...

52 likes3 stack adds
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everlocalwest
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Another excellent middle grade graphic. Ganucheau's illustrations are absolutely lovely. Holm's additional historical context and family history at the end make this a perfect read for the classroom. About the hijinks of Depression era kids in the Florida Keys, though there's much more here than my short description implies.

charl08 Yes, a great read I thought. 2y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
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JacintaMCarter
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

#2021Book33
I received an ARC of this graphic novel, and sat down to read it immediately. Turtle's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She reminded me of Tatum O'Neal's character from Paper Moon, but less of a tomboy. The characters in this book are beautifully drawn and I only wanted to spend more time with them.

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amber_ldsmom
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

I really loved this book! I‘ve read another book by this author, and I have to say she really does a great job of painting a picture of daily life in the early/mid twentieth century in a particular region. I learn so many things from her books. I think my favorite thing was the tradition of everyone having a nickname in the Keys. I always wanted a nickname as a kid. Only bad thing is that it made me really want to go outside in the sunshine! 😭

24 likes1 stack add
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shannontevis
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“Mama promised me that some day we'll live in our own home.“ I think this is a very eye opening quote for children, because a lot of them probably could not imagine not having their own house.

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shannontevis
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

In the author's note, it includes information about the Great Depression, and I would definitely want to share that with my students.

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shannontevis
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

“Turtle in Paradise“ by Jennifer L. Holm, 2010. Historical fiction chapter book. I loved this book as a kid and had so much fun reading it again. This book follows a little girl named Turtle who is alive during the Great Depression. This book accurately depicts some of the struggles people faced during this time period, and I think it can be very eye opening for children.

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Cd053917
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“I think the color of a persons eyes says a lot about them.”

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Cd053917
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

I definitely could read this story when I discuss historical events with my students. (Great Depression)

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Cd053917
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

“Turtle in Paradise” was written by Jennifer Holm in 2010. This story discusses a young character named “Turtle” who is alive during the Great Depression and faces many hardships. I really enjoyed this story

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BeverlyMel
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Turtle in paradise is the HF Newbery Award Winner, story set in the time of the Great Depression that talks about a young girl named Turtle who is forced to move with her mother to Key West florida. Personally I‘ve been to Key West & I get why turtle isn‘t so excited at first. This story would be best for a LC or an IR so students can really comprehend the meaning of the story but it can also be used as an AS. #UCFLAE3414SU19

BeverlyMel http://www.helpreaderslovereading.com/2013/01/turtle-in-paradise-by-jennifer-l-h.... This link provides resources for each chapter of book. I thought this was great in order to promote comprehension of the story if one were to make this an SR. It activates & supplies background knowledge (UDL 3.1) as well as helps students identify concepts (EL 30) 5y
DrSpalding I like the idea of shared reading with this particular title. You would need a copy for each student for this to occur or be able to project your book for all to see. This book has such rich content regarding the Great Depression and Key West. Could you visualize some of the locations as you read, having been there? 5y
Mary_Dehner I would LOVE to read this book, I‘m glad you posted about it. Your link was awesome too! I can‘t wait to explore that website some more. #happyreading 5y
4 likes3 comments
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toofondofbooks
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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I had a custom order for these cute little turtles this week. Lots of #audiocrocheting and I finished 4 books. The customer is going to use them to make a crib mobile 🙂

vkois88 So sweet and adorable! 5y
Ddzmini 😍😍😍 5y
Freespirit They are adorable❤️❤️ 5y
34 likes3 comments
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alisiakae
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Listened to this fantastic audiobook on our road trip! I struggled to get into the 1st half of the book, but Turtle‘s personality finally drew me in. Holm‘s ancestors are Conchs - long-time residents that immigrated from the Bahamas - and we learned a lot about the life of residents in Key West during the Depression, much of which was inspired by true events and people, including the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. #middlegrade

71 likes1 stack add
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alisiakae
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Our audiobook selection for our drive from Pittsburgh to White Sulphur Springs, WV today. (1/2 way home). It‘s short enough of a book that we might finish it in one drive! Maya‘s pick. 😃

69 likes1 stack add
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cjegolden99
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“What is it with folks always talking about where they‘re from? You could grow up in a muddy ditch, but if it‘s your muddy ditch, then it‘s gotta be the swellest muddy ditch ever.”

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cjegolden99
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

Historical fiction. This would be a perfect book for children who are a little older and is perfect for introducing history in a fun way. Definitely a story I‘d love to continue.

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cjegolden99
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm, 2010. A wonderfully written story about love and family set during the Great Depression in Florida. It‘s a story about becoming yourself and breaking down the shells we build around us.

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Mrstims
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

Depression Era Florida Keys. Kids seeing the world through kids eyes.

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erincox
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“I thought you said you could swim like a fish. A dead one!”

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erincox
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

This would be a great book for older elementary children to read because it‘s about a boy about their age so they can try to relate to him. this can also help explain the great depression and how people lived during that time.

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erincox
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Mehso-so

Historical Fiction Published in 2010
This is about an 11 year old boo who lives in Key West, FL during the Great Depression.

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lauren_rese
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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lauren_rese
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

I love that this books compares a girl to a turtle and how life is experienced from the inside out.

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lauren_rese
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

This book takes place during the time of the Depression. Turtle is sent out to live in Key West with family she has never met. This book uses a good representation of a turtle coming out of its shell, in this case a girl, that will open life up in unexpected ways. Genre: Historical Fiction; Published: 2010

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Madimccrady22
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“Folks have always told me that I look like Mama. My hair‘s brown, same as hers, but it‘s cut short in a bob with bangs, like a soup bowl turned upside down.”

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Madimccrady22
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

This story has a lot of twists and turns but wondering if Turtle will get her happy ending will keep people interested.

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Madimccrady22
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Mehso-so

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm is a historical fiction book that was published in 2010. This is a story about a young girl named turtle. Turtle is living through the Great Depression and does not like everyone favorite person, Shirley Temple. She doesn‘t like her because she believes that life is not a movie and everything is messing and complicated. She moves to Florida with her aunt and eventually meets her grandma, she hates children.

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vnneff6000
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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vnneff6000
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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The book cover is different.

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vnneff6000
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

This book is about a girl named turtle that goes to key west Florida to stay with relatives she never met before. This book is how references to turtles name because she started coming out of her shell when she stayed with her relatives and got to know them and the new place.

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mollsmichele
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

“Everyone‘s always saying that hard times bring out the best in people, but far as I can tell, the only thing that hard times bring out is plain meanness.”

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mollsmichele
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm

This story was inspired by some stories from the authors great grandmother who immigrated to Key West at the turn of the last century. I think that gives this story a genuine and passionate aspect.

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mollsmichele
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

This is a historical fiction story about a little girl named Turtle. She‘s smart and tough. This story takes place in 1935 during a time when jobs, money, and even dreams are scarce. When her mother lands a job, Turtle is forced to move to Key West, Florida. Her life changes completely.

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misshawksbooklist
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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“My eyes are gray as soot, and I see things for what they are.”
I like this quote because i‘m a realist and my parents are too. They tell me how it is so that I can grow up and be prepared for the world. They try not to sugar coat things because they want me to be strong and so is Turtle!

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misshawksbooklist
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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To be honest, I judged this book by its cover at first and imagined it would be a beach romance novel, but I was wrong and delightfully so!

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misshawksbooklist
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
Pickpick

Published in 2010, this historical fiction book is based off of stories of a great-grandmother who immigrated to Key West to blend family in America‘s past to a fun loving novel! This story is authentic in detailing the time period of 1935 in Key West and tells the story of a young child‘s journey.

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Nebklvr
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

A story set in 1930s Key West packed with great characters. Turtle is a wise-cracking, cynical child looking for treasure. Even Hemingway makes an appearance.

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Peddler410
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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My daughter is participating in Battle of the Books — grades 3/4 — and this is one of the titles on the list I‘ve never read. So, while she reads Flora & Ulysses — also on the list — I am reading this so we can talk about it when she gets to it next. I‘ve already read Flora & Ulysses 🙂

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JordanD
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Turtle in Paradise is a historical fiction about a girl named Turtle who is sent to live with the Aunt and cousins she‘s never met before in Key West. This strong girl has many adventures as she waits for her mom and her boyfriend to come for her including hanging out with the Diaper Gang, dodging scorpions, fishing for sponges, and even looking for pirates treasure! This book is great for any classroom & for a quick read by the pool this summer!

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devin.s
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Mehso-so

This HF book tells the story of an 11 year old girl named Turtle who is sent to live in Key West with her relatives. It gives a lot of information about the Great Depression in a way where you don‘t even realize you are learning. Although this was not my favorite book, I‘m glad I read it and I think it would work very well in upper elementary grades. #ucflae3414sp18

devin.s This book was a Newbery award winner. I think this would be a great IR book. Here is a link to a “letters to mom” activity: https://www.the-best-childrens-books.org/Turtle-in-Paradise.html UDL: 1.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.3 ELL: 4, 5, 6, 46 6y
DrSpalding Honest post.💜 🐢 6y
2 likes2 comments
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Jeffersleighann
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Turtle In Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm; Genre: HF; Award: Newbery Honor Silver; Teaching Strategy: LC. I feel this book would be a great literature circle book because it draws in the reader and makes you feel like you are part of the Conch‘s & Turtle‘s world. This would be a great book to get students involved in reading and create a love of reading, while having some great discussion points and being relatable. #UCFLAE3414SP18

Jeffersleighann UDL: 8.3 Foster collaboration and community. Students who have experience or knowledge about topics in the book should speak of their experiences which will help to clarify confusion on topics within the book. 6y
Jeffersleighann This book was about a girl name Turtle who is sent to her Aunt in Key West when her mother takes up a new housekeeping job with a cranky old lady and can no longer keep Turtle with her. This book is emotionally packed while still being light hearted and is one of the best reads I‘ve had in a long time! Absolutely loves this book and would love to incorporate it into my classroom! 6y
Jeffersleighann EL: #42- Have students use timelines to arrange and sequence important facts and information. 6y
See All 6 Comments
Jeffersleighann Https://wwe.edhelper.com/books/Turtle_in_Paradise.htm This link is filled with resources to use in the classroom with the book including a daily reading journal, word wall, crossword puzzles, etc. 6y
DrSpalding Ed helper has valuable resources. I‘m thrilled you selected this historical fiction novel. It is a great read for children being educated in the state of Florida. Set in Key West, children can connect to the tropical setting. 6y
Jeffersleighann @DrSpalding I really enjoyed this book! Would love to read more from this author (: 6y
3 likes6 comments
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DanielleS
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

This great HF book is written by Jennifer L. Holm. This book shows some of the struggles from the Great Depression era. Turtle is a very stubborn child and has to face the challenges of moving from Hollywood to Florida. This would be a great lit circle book. Read to find out more about Turtle. #ucflae3414sp17 check out this resource for teaching this book: https://www.novelstudies.org/downloads/Turtle_In_Paradise_Novel_Study_Preview.pd...

JRQuintanilla Sounds like a really fun book to read. Great resource as well!! 7y
HayleeM This sounds like a great book! I love that it encorporates social studies. Great idea for a little circle! 7y
DrSpalding Love this book! It's set in Key West and yes....great for SS! 7y
1 like3 comments
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LaurenM19
Turtle in Paradise | Jennifer L. Holm
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Pickpick

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm is a Newberry Honor Book and HF that I fell in love with! In 1935, during the Depression times are hard but Turtle is sent off to Key West to live with her Aunt and cousins. She expects nothing and ends up finding out what the true meaning of having a happy ever after really is. Below is a link to Holm's scholastic: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/turtle-in-paradise-by-jennifer-l-holm/ #UCFLAE3414sp17

DrSpalding I am thrilled you read the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you haven't heard of The Little Rascals, an old TV show, this book and it's characters -the Diaper Gang- reminds me so much of this. This is a perfect LC choice for fourth grade being that it is set during the Great Depression in Key West. Well done! 7y
1 like1 comment