Turtle in Paradise

I am not usually a fan of kid's historical fiction. It is often trying so hard to illustrate life at that given point in time that it makes for tedious reading. This novel is nothing like that. This story loosely based on Jennifer L. Holm's own family history is quite entertaining. Turtle is 11 years old and living in New Jersey with her mom in 1935. She learns some things quick being the housekeeper's kid mainly that other kids can be really cruel. After her mother takes on work for a demanding woman who detests children, Turtle gets shipped down to her mom's home town in the Florida Keys to live with an aunt she has never even met. There she is surrounded by cousins-- all boys who due to their unique babysitting talents are known on the island as The Diaper Gang. She quickly experiences a completely different way of life and finds herself encountering people that know a lot about her even though she has never heard of them. The writing is excellent, detailed and interesting. Turtle seriousness is contrasted expertly with the island kids' wit and savvy. The ending is abrupt and a bit unbelievable, but the overall story is so strong that it is enjoyable just the same.