That is the description of Turtle, the name of the main character in "Turtle in Paradise" by Jennifer L. Holm.
Turtle is an 11 year old girl sent to live with her aunt and cousins in the hot, humid Florida Keys in June 1935. Because of the depression and shortage of jobs, her mother is lucky to take a position as a housekeeper but no kids are welcome so off Turtle goes. Not only has she never been to Florida before, her relatives don't even know she is coming! You can only imagine the adjustment for her 3 very rambunctious boy cousins!
Boys are always boys whether it be 1935 or 2010; loud, cheeky, each with very distinct personalities and, especially Bean, always looking for trouble. Not allowed to be in the "Diaper Gang", not realizing she actually has a grandmother living there, Turtle, named because of the shell she has enveloped herself in, is quickly caught up in all the family dynamics but can certainly give as good as she gets. She is absolutely delightful; gutsy and wise and I love her first interactions with her mean grandmother!
The language is that of the time, references are made to Shirley Temple and Little Orphan Annie and to know a little of the era really makes this little gem come alive. Stick with it... and you will discover if the gang finds a hidden treasure.
What are you reading today?
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