I love reading good historical fiction because I find it one of the hardest genres to recommend, and Jennifer Holm is definitely a great master of the genre. I admired the way she effortlessly wove amusing personal anecdotes through Penny From Heaven while also adding so many interesting, historically accurate details, and I think I like this book even better. If anything will finally net her the Newbery, it would be this book.

Everything about this book is strong and masterful: the Key West setting, which plays such a crucial role, is evoked so well with its miserable heat, scorpions, and local traditions like nicknames and sponging. The characters all have distinct voices and act exactly their age (including the four-year-old Buddy who never wants to wear pants). The details about the Depression and how it affected families (the harried mom in the background not being able to run all her errands because she has to wash laundry all day, the milk toast, cut-ups, and other creative meals based on what was available) are woven in unobtrusively, yet add even more rich layers to the story. The cultural artifacts of the time (Little Orphan Annie, The Shadow, Terry And The Pirates) add interesting detail, too. And the kids who star in this book--the Diaper Gang who eventually become the titular Turtle's family---are all absolutely hilarious. I often marveled at Holm's ability to capture that perfect childlike voice and thought process.

It's very refreshing to read a master at work, and that's definitely what this is. The book cover doesn't really make much sense, but what's between the pages is golden.