Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts


Citation: Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does my Shirts. Putnam's, 2004.

Plot:

Moose Flannagan moves away from his Santa Monica home in 1935; however, when most kids move, they move to a different city. Moose moves to Alcatraz island. Yes, THAT Alcatraz island. Moose's dad was able to get a job as an electrician on the island, thus being able to afford to send Moose's older sister, Natalie, to a special school that might help her. You see, Natalie is different. Remember, this is 1935... but were Natalie to be alive today in 2011, most likely she would be diagnosed with autism. However, in 1935 many people recommended putting Natalie in an asylum. Moose's mom has found a school (an expensive one) that helps children like Natalie. What is it like living on an island full of conflicts? Or with an older sister with a disability? Moose is a typical middle schooler, trying to make friends, fit in, and pretend he doesn't like a girl (but he really does). However, Moose has some extra things on his plate (like being neighbors with Al Capone) that make his story extra interesting. In a desperate move at the end of the book, Moose actually reaches out to Al Capone for help for Natalie. Does he get a response from the famed gangster? Read to find out.


Review:


When I picked it up, I thought this book would be about Al Capone. Really, it is more about having a special needs sibling, fitting in, Moose's first crush, working parents, and trying to balance everything when you live on a giant rock. Surprisingly? It is really good. I fell in love with Moose, my heart ached for his family, and I also fell in love with Natalie. It gave me some perspective on what having special needs may have been like in the 1930's. Also, tweens will love that tweens back in the 1930's dealt with similar things then as we do now. Like, how one's first crush feels. Although, not everyone's first crush is on the wardens daughter...


Reading Level: 10 and up

Characters:


Al Capone: He's Al Capone. 'Nuff said.


Moose: Protagonist. Natalie's younger brother, dad is an electrician on Alcatraz island.


Natalie: Moose's older sister, autistic


Piper: Warden's daughter... and Moose's crush


Series Information:

Followed by Al Capone Does my Shoes 

Similar Titles:

Bud, Not Buddy 
No Passengers Beyond This Point