About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition, such as moving to a new home or adjusting to a change in family structure. It is particularly resonant for children who feel like outsiders or who have developed a protective, 'tough' exterior due to instability. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows eleven-year-old Turtle, a pragmatic girl sent to live with unknown relatives in Key West because her mother's new job doesn't allow children. While the 1930s setting provides a fascinating historical backdrop, the emotional core is timeless: a child learning to lower her guard and find a true sense of belonging. The narrative balances a witty, world-weary tone with genuine warmth as Turtle navigates a house full of rowdy boy cousins, a secret 'Diaper Gang' business, and a search for buried treasure. It is a story about resilience, the complexity of parent-child relationships, and discovering that 'home' is often found in the most unexpected places.
