Turtle in Paradise- Bluebonnet Nominee

Eleven year old Turtle is sent to live with family members in Florida while her mother is working.  She begans hanging out with the Diaper Gang who babysits little kids in order to earn money to get candy.At first she is leary of her family, after all she doesn't even know who these people are and now she is forced to live with them.  The story takes place during the Great Depression and everyone is down on their luck and it was common for children to be sent off to live with realtives while their parents worked to earn money.  Turtle finally learns that true family is having those you love around you and that just because things always turn out so wonderful in Hollywood, true life turns out very differently. 
My son read this book, which surprised me because the main character is female, but he recommended it to the students in his class and now the book is being requested quite often.