Newspaper Homework

Incredible author Jennifer L. Holm Awarded her 3rd newberry honor!

Week of May 11, 2011

Jennifer L. Holm, the author of “Turtle in Paradise”, has created an incredible story set during the Great Depression. The main character, Turtle, is an 11-year-old girl who is smart, tough, and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. The story illustrates the distress and misery of the time, which often led to family breakdowns. Holm’s description of Turtle’s journey to Key West, Florida, to live with relatives she’s never met, is filled with adventure, humor, and love. The narrative captures the possibilities of meeting new friends and family members as Turtle sets off for adventures. The story is also about Turtle coming out of the shell she’s spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unanticipated ways. It’s clear that Holm has put a lot of thought into creating a story that is both engaging and historically accurate, providing readers with a glimpse into life during the Great Depression.