Turtle is the name of an eleven-year-old girl. She is sent to Key West, Florida to live with her aunt. Her mother has a cleaning job for a lady who does not like children. You would think with a name like Turtle that she would fit in at Key West. But everyone seems to be a cousin and she can't join the diaper gang. This in 1935 so the diaper gang gets no money for taking care of the babies. However, they do work for candy. Turtle is a realist, survivor and a great observer of all that is going on in her life. She never, ever cries in order to keep her emotions in check. Some of her remarks are so humorous and they help to put the story in a good tone. What she finds in Key West surprises her, but she is ready to expect anything.
Jennifer L.
Holm has already written
Newbery Honor winners, but this one I consider is also a winner. She includes web sites, historical influences of the Great Depression and family background information. I can't believe that this is the same author that wrote
Babymouse series with her brother.
