Turtle in Paradise

Holm, J. (2010). Turtle in paradise. New York:

Random House.



 Jennifer Holm (creator of the Babymouse graphic novel series) tries her hand at historical fiction with resounding success.  Holm doesn't create merely a historical novel, but she brings to life her own grandmother's story of growing up in Key West in the 1930s.  Flanked by such contemporary figures such as Shirley Temple and Ernest "Papa" Hemingway, Turtle weaves connections with the community to which she never intended to come.  As Turtle settles into her new home, the reader gets to settle in, too, with such engaging characters as Pork Chop and the Diaper Gang.  The humor, love, and warmth of a sadly bygone era in America shine through in this story.  Holm leaves her audience with both a sense of longing and a sense of satisfaction with a tale well-crafted.