Turtle in Paradise (audio)

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm. Narrated by Becca Battoe.

Audience: 3rd-5th grade

My Rating: 2.5* of 5

Summary: Life isn't like the movies, and eleven-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.

Comments: Whether it was Battoe's reading, Holm's writing, or both this story never grabbed my attention nor held it captive. While I appreciate the slice of Key West life, it did not feel like a well crafted story to me, making the final plot twists seem out of place. The "Diaper Gang," who only watch "bad babies cuz there ain't no such thing as good babies" was the highlight throughout.
Awards: Bluebonnet list 2011-2012

Bloody Jack, book 1 (audio)

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer. 2007.

Audience: 6th Grade and up; 12 and up

My Rating: 5*s of 5

Summary: Jacky Faber,having secured a position as ship's boy aboard the HMS "Dolphin," welcomes the respite from the desperation and hunger of life on the streets of eighteenth-century London, and now has only one thing to worry about--keeping the crew from learning that he is actually a girl.

Comments: The only complaint I can muster for this fantastically narrated story is that I want more, more, more! I bloody loved this book! Jacky is a capable, likable, ingenious girl and I enjoyed taking this voyage with her. I can't wait for the next audio! http://www.jackyfaber.com/

Awards:

Read-alikes: Pirates! by Celia Rees, Bloody Jack adventures books 2-5 by L.A. Meyer