Al Capone Does My Shirts

My 10th grade daughter said, "I read that book in middle school.  I really liked it!"  I dove into this book optimistically.  I was not disappointed.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is a work of historical fiction.  The setting and a few of the characters (although not directly seen nor heard by the main characters) are real people from history.

This book takes place mainly on Alcatraz Island in the 1930's, home of the prison known for its brutal treatment of the very worst of criminals.  This is the prison that receives the inmates that no other prison will take.

Our protagonist, Moose Flanagan, is a 12 year old boy.  He, along with his 15 year old sister Natalie and his mother, are newly arrived to Alcatraz to live with his father, an Alcatraz employee.  Natalie, from the looks of it, is on the autism spectrum in a time before "autism" was even a word.

Moose is disheartened to have left Santa Monica, CA for this small island.  He must abide by strict rules here, for the safety of the whole small community.  He is bullied by the Warden, whose 12 year old daughter, Piper, governs and manipulates the younger set, defies every rule, and can do no wrong in her father's eyes.

Piper is not Moose's biggest problem, however.  Moose's main struggle is with his mother and sister.  His mother is constantly seeking the next new treatment or school that will "cure" his sister.  He is frustrated that his mother heeds every doctor's advice, enrolls Natalie in every treatment, including questionable ones, and tries every school thinking that each new thing will give Natalie a brighter future.  Thus far, all of the treatments and attempts to make Natalie more "normal" are in vain.  Moose grows increasingly frustrated with his mother, who is bordering on obsession with the right treatment for Natalie.

Moose must sacrifice his own life and the things he loves to help care for Natalie.  He is good with Natalie, even more so than his parents are.  Moose wrestles with himself about being forced to babysit his sister and living his own life.  He feels neglected as every parental effort is focused on Natalie's needs and care.  Moose waffles between his resentment at his sister and his great love for her.

Our protagonist comes full circle when he recognizes that his mother's love for her daughter causes her to go to any length to help Natalie.  He also begins to find joy in being with Natalie and in the improvements that Natalie makes while interacting consistently with him.

I loved this "moose" of a boy.  His patience, gentleness, and protectiveness of his sister was admirable.  When Moose is unfairly blamed for things beyond his control, the author really made me feel his frustration and anger.

This book chronicles Moose's complex relationships with his mother, sister, father, friends, classmates and his "frenemy" Piper.  It examines overcoming obstacles, making changes, and family relationships.  This book is not all sad.  There are some funny and downright interesting things that happen to Moose and his friends.

I was left wanting to know more about Alcatraz, its community, and its prisoners.  I spent the evening googling historical facts about the island and its inmates.  There is a very nice addendum to book that gives the "story behind the story".  I wish more historical fiction would provide such.

The book is about a 4.7 reading level and grades 6-8 would really enjoy it.  I think this book might hook a reluctant boy reader.

A classroom idea could include a project to increase autism awareness.  Students in small groups could create a poster or other visual representation identifying the symptoms of autism that Natalie displays as well as research and record how autism and treatments have changed since the 1930's.   Incorporating a guest speaker, one who works with or lives with an autistic child or adult, would also be a good option for such an activity.