America is in the midst of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, and Turtle's mom just got a new job as a maid. Unfortunately, her new boss doesn't like children, so Turtle has to leave New Jersey to live with relatives in Key West. To make matters worse, her aunt and cousins are not happy to see her because they are struggling financially, too.

The boys won't let her join the Diaper Gang (no girls allowed), but Turtle is determined to prove she's just as clever and tough as any boy. She'll also discover some truths about the past and her family that will change the way she sees herself.

Like Penny From Heaven, Turtle in Paradise is filled with quirky but believable characters and bizarre but believable events. One of the things I found most interesting about this book is the way Holm reveals mysteries and presents information that the reader can easily comprehend but to which Turtle remains oblivious. For example, Turtle has no idea who her biological father is, but the answer is quite obvious to the reader from fairly early in the book. It's an interesting choice, and I felt a little frustrated that Turtle still didn't know the truth at the end of the story. Holm has created a character who is believable and sympathetic, and I wanted her to get the big revelation at the end. Maybe there will be a sequel? (Grades 4-7)

Unique setting, a fun cast of characters (at least the kids), a good middle reader.

Sweet, funny, and a quick read.

A fast read. Didn’t grab me like her other book, The Fourteenth Goldfish, did.

Audiobook.

I really enjoyed this book and learning about life and culture in the Florida Keys in the 1930s. I just wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed. I'd say this is a 3.5 for me. I loved the author's notes at the end and definitely would share those with children!

This was a quick read, but a fun one. It would be a great choice for a girl and her mother to read together in the summer.

A sweet Goonie's like adventure with a touch more realism and Americana.

Did the last few chapters of this book seem to veer wildly into left field, or was that just me?

Another request from the reading aide....

Spending so much of my time reading epic fantasy tomes, I rarely complain that I wish a book was longer, but that is how I felt about Turtle in Paradise.

The dramatic tension and emotional moments seemed crammed into the last 30 pages of the book and it left little time for readers to react or assimilate what was happening.

The writing is great, though, and I think young readers will enjoy Turtle and her friends.