Turtle in Paradise

By: Jennifer L. Holm

Narrated by: Becca Battoe

Length: 3 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by family stories, two-time Newbery Honor winner and New York Times best-selling author Jennifer L. Holm beautifully blends family lore with America's past in this charming gem of a novel, rich in historical detail, humor, and the unique flavors of Key West.

Life isn't like the movies, and 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 stay with relatives she's never met.

Florida's like nothing Turtle has ever seen. It's hot and strange, full of wild green peeping out between houses, ragtag boy cousins, and secret treasure. Before she knows what's happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of the shell she has spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways.

©2010 Jennifer L. Holm (P)2010 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"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." ( Booklist)

"Sweet, funny and superb." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Older story

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The relationships within the family. I liked that her name was "Turtle". And the history detailed when completed.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Becca Battoe?

I purchased this book because Becca Battoe was the narrator. Loved her in the Fifty Shades Trilogy.

Delightful, funny, and touching.

Our entire family enjoyed this book while on a long car trip. The author has created wonderful characters who live in a vividly depicted run-down area of Key West in the early 20th century. Turtle is a believable girl, who is a complicated mix of brave and vulnerable. She makes the most of unfortunate circumstances while befriending a crew of cousins she's never met. The book is even more delightful because it is based on the author's grandmother's memories of growing up in Key West when it was a remote outpost instead of a tourist destination (Ernest Hemmingway has a cameo).

Very good book

What made the experience of listening to Turtle in Paradise the most enjoyable?

I read this with my 10 year old daughter for a mother/daughter book club. We both very much enjoyed it.

Turtle Indeed

I'm 36yo & this story with the narrative cracked me up..its for younger kids but adults will appreciate the dry witty sense of humor..this audio may also cause you some lack of sleep..for its too good not to hear all of it. Many times during the night I had to be careful my laughter didn't wake my husband. Great story. No bad language or content in this story that my own child couldn't hear. I appreciate that very much. Turtle has climbed to the top of my "listen to very often" stack of audios. I'll let you decide where it climbs in your pile ;)

Love it

If I could ask J.L.holm one question it would be ‘is the Mimi form penny form heaven turtle?”

Great Story

New to chapter book readers and adults will love this one and the determined spirit of the little girl within these "pages"

Great read!

We enjoyed EVERY minute of this historical fiction! The reader does a wonderful job as well.

boy or girl it doesn't matter

one of the best reads of all time An American Tail of a brave little girl

Turtle and Paradise

This book was anazing.I love how it was so detailed.The best part was when the equation in aunt Minerva night gown. But I give this book 5 stars because it was the best.

Great book!! Kids loved it!

My kids listen to this book over and over. It was enjoyable to listen to even as an adult!