Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko

G.P Putnam's Sons (2004)
Interest level: Ages 8-12
Awards:
California Young Readrs Medal
Carnegie Medal , Shrtlist, 2004, UK
Focal Award , 2006
Garden State Teen Award, 2007
John Newbery Medal, Honor Bok, 2005
Massachusetts Children's Book Award,
Sid Fleischman Humor Award winner,2004

Category: Historical Fiction
Type: Novel

Summary:
This is a story about a boy, Moose Flannagan and his struggles and relationship with his family after they move to Alcatraz Island when his father gets a job as an electrician. This is the last place Moose wants to be. He can no longer play baseball ,
his father is always working or tired and he has to deal with his
sister Natalie who is Autistic and has to go to a special school.
This book will delight you as Moose narrates the story and fills
you in on his feelings on the island, its inhabitants and his family.
Will Moose adjust to his environment and be responsible,
what will become of Natalie and what about the legendary Al Capone?

Online Connections:

1. Alcatraz and life on the island: http://www.alcatrazhistory.com/mainpg.htm
2. Author website: http://www.choldenko.com/index.html
3. History files on Al Capone: http://www.chicagohs.org/history/capone.htm/
4. Alcatraz offical website: http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/

Book Connections:

1. Notes From A Liar And Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko
2. If A Tree Falls At Lunch period by Gennifer Choldenko
3. Someone is Hidding on Alcatraz Island by Eve Bunting

Keywords: Alcatraz Island, Family issues, autism