Member Reviews

When Turtle is sent to live with her aunt and cousins she has never known, she has to learn how to survive the unknown. Through the help of her quick-witted cousins, Turtle sets off to find buried treasure and hopes to reunite with her mother. Soon, she realizes though, that not everything is what it seems.

This is an adaptation of a book with the same title. The images are beautiful and it is a story that shares so much heartache and love at the same time.

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When Turtle says goodbye to her mom and her new husband, she has no idea what's in store. Her aunt isn't exactly happy she has yet another mouth to feed and she's lonely. As she befriends her cousin and neighbor kids, she also find a lonely woman who she offers to look after. The older woman is angry and mean, but Turtle takes it upon herself to work through the meanness and see the person behind. There's a connection to her and this woman that Turtle which some readers might see coming. Secrets abound and are shared in this wonderful historical story that pulls on your heartstrings.

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I was surprised by the art style of this book, it was not what I was expecting and I don't think it really worked with the story. I like this novel, but I'm not sure it really needed to be adapted into a graphic novel.

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I've been a fan of Jennifer Holm for years and seeing her novel, Turtle in Paradise in graphic novel form was amazing. The panels were crafted beautifully to capture Turtle's struggles and accomplishments. A new favorite of my students!

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Jennifer Holm is one of my favorite writers for my students and in my library. Her books never disappoint, this one included. i was happy to see it on the Texas Maverick Graphic novel reading list 2022.

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This was a pretty good middle grade graphic novel! I am always in search of more historical fiction in graphic form and this definitely fits the bill. Overall, the storyline was sweet and followed Turtle as she found her community and learned more about her family. I liked the way she interacted with her cousins and the Diaper gang. It was nice that it resolved into er being accepted as part of the group. I also liked that Turtle was really her own person and would trick or mess with the boys around her. I wish there was a bit more with her family like her grandma and maybe her dad (This was only briefly implied). Overall I did really like this book but there was two things that bugged me. There was almost too much going on specifically at the end that made it seem rushed. There was a lot of loose ends that never got tied up. The other thing I didn't love is how the adult women are drawn in the book, but that might be a personal thing.

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Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

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Fans of Holm's Turtle in Paradise novel & new readers alike will love Turtle in Paradise. Jennifer L. Holm has made quite a name in middle grade graphic novels, and Turtle in Paradise does not disappoint. I've put this graphic novel in a lot of kiddos hands, and they've always been excited!

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This is a lovely graphic novel adaptation of the original story. The artwork makes you feel like you are in the Keys. The main points of the plot are carried over into the adaptation, however, there are parts that may leave some readers with questions. Nice back matter from the authors. High appeal for fans of historical fiction and the original novel.

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I haven’t read the book that this is based on but I really enjoyed it! The artwork was very nice and I loved the story. I will definitely be recommending this one.

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This is a great adaptation of the beloved novel. Strongest aspects are the adventures of the "diaper gang," who specialize in caring for "bad babies."

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Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this advanced copy of Turtle in Paradise. A lovely little graphic novel with many different threads of characterization and plot-lines. Middle grade kids will appreciate it though most, but there are subtleties enough to interest older readers as well, if the "fairytale" plot elements aren't too distracting. Gorgeous, dynamic art.

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There are so many amazing graphic novels out there that sometimes it’s hard to know which one to pick up. You can never go wrong with an adaptation of a beloved book. Turtle in Paradise: The Graphic Novel by Jennifer L. Holm and Savanna Ganucheau is a new adaptation of the Newbery Honor-winning novel. When 11-year old Turtle’s mother gets a job keeping house for a woman who doesn’t like kids, Turtle heads off to Florida to live with relatives. Key West is full of ragtag cousins, family secrets, and maybe even a little pirate treasure! I do love a ragtag group, this "Diaper Gang" in particular. Tropical colors and Depression-era visuals really complement this wonderful story. And did you spot the 🐈‍⬛ on the cover?? How could I not love this book?

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One of my favorite MG historical fiction novels reimagined as a graphic novel
With all the colors of Key West.

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This was so wonderful! I loved the art style and the atmospheric way that the story was written. So sweet and one that I am definitely going to recommend to readers at my library.

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A beautiful graphic novel version of a wonderful book. The artwork is bright and lively while also conveying some of the seriousness of the Great Depression. Highly recommend to graphic novel readers, those who like Beverly Cleary's stories, and history buffs.

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This was just a fun read. Turtle's mother is a housekeeper, but the most recent lady doesn't want children in her home. Turtle is shipped down to Key West to live with her aunt and collection of cousins, all who run around barefoot and seem to be related to everyone else. Her cousins are called the Diaper Gang because they take care of babies and have the best remedy for diaper rash. Turtle doesn't really get along with them, but also gets completely along with them. As they have adventures, Turtle realizes that she likes having more than just her mom in her family. The ending is sad but still sweet and hopeful. Filled with bright colors, emotions, and excitement, this is a great historical fiction graphic novel for any middle schooler.

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The graphic novel version of Turtle in Paradise was not my favorite, but readers will enjoy this graphic novel set in the 1930s.

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This graphic novel is a beautiful treatment of Jennifer L. Holm's award-winning historical fiction book TURTLE IN PARADISE. Savanna Ganucheau's artwork is perfect for the setting - Key West in the Great Depression, when kids ran barefoot, everyone was scraping by, and families often had to take in stray relatives. Turtle comes to Key West to live with her cousins when her mother's housekeeping job doesn't allow children. Her Aunt Minnie is surprised when Turtle shows up - another mouth to feed - and her three boy cousins are not exactly welcoming. But Turtle is a tough girl - don't call her cute - and she soon gets into adventures and shenanigans, usually with the boys, and adjusts to life on Key West. The plot has several twists and turns, because ultimately Turtle's story is about life's twists and turns, and those that love you through it all.
Recommended for grades 3 and up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

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This book made me miss Key West so much! Turtle is struggling to fit in with her family, but after being trapped on a remote island... they have no choice but to bond!

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