Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award
Five Starred Reviews!
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, 2016
Grown-ups lie. That's one truth Beans knows for sure. He and his gang
know how to spot a whopper a mile away, because they are the savviest
bunch of barefoot conchs (that means "locals") in all of Key West. Not
that Beans really minds; it's 1934, the middle of the Great Depression.
With no jobs on the island, and no money anywhere, who can really blame
the grown-ups for telling a few tales? Besides, Beans isn't anyone's
fool. In fact, he has plans. Big plans. And the consequences might
surprise even Beans himself.
Return to the wonderful world of Newbery Honor Book Turtle in
Paradise through the eyes of Turtle's cousin Beans!
A surprising coming-of-age story with a remarkably honest
message. --The New York Times
[Holm] captures this colorful slice of Depression history with her
usual vivacious wit. . . . Children will love Beans. --Shelf
Awareness, Starred
A novel as entertaining as the motion pictures [Beans] loves to
see.--The Horn Book Magazine, Starred
**
**"Inspired by actual events, Holm's talent for writing historical
fiction is on full display. . . . Interesting family and small-town
dynamics further enrich this fascinating account of a young boy's
life in Florida's 'Recovery Key.'" --Booklist, Starred
Filled with humor, heart, and warmth. --Kirkus Review, Starred
Entertaining and illuminating historical fiction. --Publishers
Weekly, Starred
