AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS

1. Bibliography

Choldenko, Gennifer. 2004. Al Capone Dows My Shirts. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN 0399238611

2. Plot Summary

            Moose is faced with no only being the new kid in town, but also with living on an island full of prisoners. His sister Natalie suffers from a condition which keeps his mom preoccupied, and his dad working all the time. Moose is faced with walking a line between doing the right thing and keeping the warden’s daughter happy. Moose must face sacrifices to do what is best for his sister and the family.

3. Critical Analysis

Anyone who has ever been the new kid can relate to Moose’s story in Al Capone Does My Shirts. By being written in diary format, the voice and characterization of Moose is a prominent force. His words seem to be consistent with the 1930’s.  It is from his view that the reader is able to learn about the other characters, but it is only his view of them that is presented. This limits the story and the characters in many ways. Once Moose makes his mind up about the type of person a character is, it is difficult to change his mind. An example of this is the way Moose sees Natalie, his sister, other characters such as his mother and Theresa see Natalie in a different way. The limited point of view helps to build the characterization in the book. The setting is vividly described, and from a brief search appears to be accurate. It is interesting to learn that people, besides prisoners and guards, lived on Alcatraz Island. The plot is a little slow at times, and at times doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. When the plot finally does come to a climax, the theme is presented more clearly. This book is a great way to present a small part of history that people may not have been aware of before, and also presents a wonderful underlining theme, once it is discovered.  

4. Reviews

2005- Newberry Honor Book

Schneider Family Book Award

Kirkus Review; “…Basing her story on the actual experience of those who supported the prison in the '30s-when Al Capone was an inmate-Choldenko's pacing is exquisite, balancing the tense family dynamics alongside the often-humorous and riveting school story of peer pressure and friendship. Fascinating setting as a metaphor for Moose's own imprisonment and enabling some hysterically funny scenes, but a great read no matter where it takes place.”

From School Library Journal; “…Family dilemmas are at the center of the story, but history and setting-including plenty of references to the prison's most infamous inmate, mob boss Al Capone-play an important part, too. The Flanagan family is believable in the way each member deals with Natalie and her difficulties, and Moose makes a sympathetic main character. The story, told with humor and skill, will fascinate readers with an interest in what it was like for the children of prison guards and other workers to actually grow up on Alcatraz Island.”

5. Connections

* Create a picture book from the information presented in Al Capone Does My Shirts. (hint: Focus on only one part of the story.)

* Research the life of families who lived on Alcatraz when it was open.

 * Make a timeline of the Alcatraz island. Make sure to mark when this stor supposedly took place.

           

* Similar books:

            Johnson, Angela. Songs of Faith. ISBN 0440229448

Betansourt, Jeanne. My Name is Brain Brian. ISBN 0590449222

Spinelli, Jerry. Crash. ISBN 0440238579