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Turtle in Paradise Audiobook
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(3.01) - 5,963 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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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"Turtle's mother takes a new housekeeper job but the boss doesn't allow children. So Turtle is dropped off at her aunt's house in the Florida Keys. Her mother doesn't even confirm that the letter reached the aunt (it didn't) Turtle takes us on an adventures with her gang of boy cousins and afternoons with her grandma (who isn't dead after all). Loved Turtle's spunk and the depiction of depression life in the Keys. Wish that her father's identity was more of a surprise. Left me wanting to read more."
— Ms. (4 out of 5 stars)
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Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2010: “Sweet, funny and superb”
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Starred Review, Booklist, April 15, 2010:"Turtle is just the right mixture of knowingness and hope; the plot is a hilarious blend of family dramas seasoned with a dollop of adventure."
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Starred Review, Publishers Weekly:
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This humorous adventure effectively portrays Turtle as caught between her mother's Hollywood-inspired dreams and the very real family . . . that offer a different kind of paradise."
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Review, School Library Journal, April 2010:"This richly detailed novel was inspired by Holm’s great-grandmother’s stories. Readers who enjoy melodic, humorous tales of the past won’t want to miss it."
Turtle in Paradise Listener Reviews
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" hi "
— Jayla, 10/9/2019 -
" turtle in paradise was a great book I loved how the author showed the characters feelings but did not tell. I also love how you feel like youre really there when you read it and how you can connect with turtle. "
— Emma, 1/30/2014 -
" A cute historical fiction about Key West during the Great Depression. Likable characters, adventure, probably more of a girl book. "
— Elisabeth, 1/22/2014 -
" Battle of the Books: During the depression in Key West before tourism, told by Turtle, a young spunky girl is sent to live with her aunt and a world she doesn't know at all. Loved that story was based on the author's family and island history...including Papa Hemingway himself... "
— Kari, 1/9/2014 -
" Turtle is a sassy character and was fun to read about. I think my 6th graders will enjoy this book even with the references to earlier times-maybe especially with those references. The dry humor is outstanding. "
— Shannon, 11/14/2013 -
" I liked this book a lot. but...there was something that was missing. It was a little to easy read for me. "
— Lizzie, 11/12/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this family story set in Key West during the Great Depression. Holm included tons of true elements from archives and her own family history that really added flavor to the story. I liked the variety in the characters and the fact that there was not a neatly wrapped ending. This one is going on my Newbery list. "
— Gwen, 11/6/2013 -
" AWESOME BOOK! Just finished it now. long book, but worked hoard to read it on 3 days :D one of the best books I read! "
— Jarynth, 11/2/2013 -
" Started slowly for me, loved the setting! "
— Carrieann, 10/5/2013 -
" This book could be read by all ages, but I would say starting at grade 5 if it was read to them. This book is a great story based in Key West. "
— Nerissa, 9/5/2013 -
" Nicely written, lots of historical detail, well-researched... I'd hand it to fans of books like Bird Lake Moon by Kevin Henkes, The Higher Power of Lucky, etc. "
— Abby, 8/28/2013 -
" This story is set in 1935 "
— Deb, 7/16/2013 -
" Sweet story told from the pov of an 11 y/o girl that had me smiling all the way to the end. "
— Hillory, 6/17/2013 -
" It's fine. . . "
— Jhrebik, 6/7/2013 -
" Delightful. I hope u can get the girls to read this book. It is a lovely book. "
— Loriinengland, 6/4/2013 -
" this book only took me 3 day to read a great book to have middle school kids read!! "
— Marlee, 12/3/2012 -
" Great book, perfect pacing and voice. Takes place during The Great Depression. Turtle has to go to Key West to live with relatives and learns a lot about herself and who is really important to her during her stay. Loved teh characters, and the tie-in to Shirley Temple and Lil Orphan Annie. "
— Nan, 7/5/2012 -
" I loved this book it has a little mystery, adventure, and just a hint of romance. "
— Olivia, 6/15/2012 -
" AMAZIN!!!!!!!!! "
— Fatimah, 10/1/2011 -
" I did not really like this book.... :( but someone might like it besides me "
— Kaden, 8/20/2011 -
" A Newberry honor for 2011- I really enjoyed it- definatly for a younger audience, but delightfully written. "
— April, 5/16/2011 -
" This was a fun quick read that I really enjoyed. I love Jennifer Holms books and this one was really well written. Interesting to learn about Key West in the early 1900's. "
— Linda, 5/12/2011 -
" I loved Turtle's character in this, but the story was pretty dull until the end, and then I hated the very end. I have to say though it made me want to go to Key West! "
— Stefanie, 5/12/2011 -
" Such a sweet book. Wish there was another! "
— Jan, 5/8/2011 -
" Ages 8+<br/><br/>Cute and sassy. "
— Ann, 5/7/2011 -
" This story was such a cute story! I loved it =) "
— Aneeqah, 5/2/2011 -
" Charming and sweet story, set in key west during the depression. If you are familiar with Key West all the better. "
— Anne, 4/30/2011 -
" This was a very fun and quick read. It shares a great deal about the Great Depression. The best parts about this book are that it is quite humorous, has beautiful imagery, and teaches its audience about trust and courage. I would recommend this book! "
— Erika, 4/29/2011 -
" Quick, easy, fun and even a little bit educational about the Florida Keys. "
— Analisa, 4/28/2011 -
" My favorite parts included the boys tending babies. On my bucket list to visit the Florida Keys. "
— Carol, 4/27/2011 -
" A clean and fun story from the depression about making do. "
— Ronna, 4/27/2011
About Jennifer L. Holm
Jennifer L. Holm is the author of the 1999 Newberry Honor book, Our Only May Amelia. In addition to writing novels for young adults, she produces television commercials and lives in Brooklyn.
About Becca Battoe
Becca Battoe is a film and television actor, as well as an audiobook narrator. Her film roles include appearances on television shows such as Scrubs and Invasion. Other roles include Equity stage performances in Cats, Ug the Caveman Musical, and Shadow Hour. An AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator, she is best known for her narration of the bestselling Fifty Shades Trilogy by E. L. James. She currently lives in Los Angeles.