Al Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)

Al Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)

By Gennifer Choldenko

48 ratings 60 reviews 47 followers
Book 1 of 3 in the  Al Capone Series
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 2 - 8X3.549509

Moose Flannagan moves with his family to Alcatraz so his dad can work as a prison guard and his sister, Natalie, can attend a special school.  But Natalie has autism, and when she's denied admittance to the school, the stark setting of Alcatraz begins to unravel the tenuous coping mechanisms Moose's family has used for dealing with her disorder.

When Moose meets Piper, the cute daughter of the Warden, he knows right off she's trouble.  But she's also strangely irresistible.  All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents' expectations, and stay out of trouble.  But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.

Set in 1935, when guards actually lived on Alcatraz Island with their families.  Choldenko's second novel brings humor to the complexities of family dynamics and illuminates the real struggle of a kid trying to free himself from the "good boy" stance he's taken his whole life.

Publisher: Bloomsbury UK
ISBN-13: 9780439674324
ISBN-10: 0439674328
Published on 6/1/2014
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 225

Book Reviews (59)

Add a Rating

I thought this book was good, it is really interesting to read. It leaves you on the edge of your seat. I thought that the book really seems realistic and personal to a boy going through this. However some parts were a little predictable and overused in the book, but most of the time the book is really enticing and new on every page. I would recommend this to a friend, no doubt about that. Everyone, if you are looking for a good book, read Al Capone Does my Shirts! :)

I think this book was amazing. so touching yet so happy at the same time.I beleve that 4th and up could enjoy this book.I loved this book so much.

Akerda Akerda

This book was so good. Once you read the first page you just cant stop! I cant wait to read the 2nd book.:D

This book I did not like very well. This book made me feel nervous because you never know what is going to happen. I liked the characters i feel like it would acutely happen to a person. I would recommend to kids that like drama. i feel like my best friend would like this book!

KidFury205 KidFury205

I think this book is a great story with a big selection of characters to love! At the end of each chapter you want to read more. It takes an every day icon and turns it into a thriller tale. I would give this book to anybody.

I loved this book so much. I think others should absolutely read this book. It's a very interesting book. I would definantly read this agian on my free time.

I think it is really awesome and was really fun to read. I think every teacher should read this book to their students. I loved it i think it should be in every Library. I think you should make this book a movie because it was a really good book to read there was a lot of cliffhangers. I also think that everyone should read this book because i think you should read it. I recommend it to every reader.

i loved this book to be honest. I think other people should read this book. Why I think this is because it's very interesting in the long run.I can't wait to read Al Capone does my shoes! <3

I really liked this book I think most people would like this book. Why I think this is because it has a great plot line and its very interesting to me.

Great book. It's really good. Once you read the few pages, you just can't stop.

Show More