* Originally reviewed on 10/29/07 on another of my blogs. *
I had to read this book once I learned that it is about little kids who lived on Alcatraz in the 1930s. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to purchase Alcatraz Island and live there. (Plus, it’s a Newbery Honor Book, so it sort of counts towards The Newbery Project.)
The book centers around a family: a mother, a father, a “ten” year old sister, and a twelve year old brother, our protagonist, Moose. The family has just moved to Alcatraz Island where the father works around the clock at two jobs so that the sister, Natalie, can attend a prestigious and expensive school for children with mental issues. Natalie has what would today be called autism.
Moose Flanagan’s view of life perfectly depicts the struggle between loving someone and half wanting them to go away. He loves his sister, but she complicates his life in ways that most twelve year old boys don’t have to deal with. Also, he illustrates the loneliness of the “okay” sibling. All of the family’s resources and time seem to be poured into Natalie, leaving Moose with many responsibilities and few perks.
The feeling of this book stayed with me–mostly via the setting. The images of children on the island, taking a boat back and forth to school everyday, lingering just beyond the field where the prisoners play baseball, hoping to catch a ball, having their laundry done in the prisons.
So, the term is overused, but “heartwarming” definitely applies here.
Al Capone Does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko 
Other Reviews:
Becky’s Book Reviews
The Novel World
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{ 9 comments }
I’ve seen this on book lists but didn’t know what it was about. Sounds great! What age level would you say this is appropriate for?
I really need to read this. It has been on my list for awhile but it keeps getting pushed back. Every time I read about it though I want to go out and get it.
I was able to read this book the very week I visited Alcatraz. Wonderful! Loved the book, loved the island! :)
This has been on my radar for a long time, but your review just pushed me into actually going out to find a copy.
This is in my Recorded Books rental queue! I can’t wait to read it. I thought it sounded great. I visited Alcatraz (as a tourist!) which makes me even more interested. I’ll be back to visit after I’ve read it.
Our director started reading this aloud at the summer writing workshop of the Mid Ohio Writing Project a few years ago. It was really funny, but we ran out of time about halfway through. I always meant to finish reading it.
And to answer SmallWorld Reads, I believe this is recommended for ages 10-14.
Are you saying you are the ‘okay sibling?’
i read this book
i read and loved al capone does my shirts i just discovered there is a sequal “al capone shines my shoes” i am going to read that book as well :)
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