1935
I want to be on Alcatraz like I want poison oak on my private parts. But apparently nobody cares, because now I’m Moose Flanagan, Alcatraz Island Boy–all so my sister can go to the Esther P. Marinoff School, where kids wear their clothes inside out and there isn’t a book in sight. Obedient Moose. I always do what I’m supposed to do.
When Moose’s family moves to Alcatraz Island so his father can work as a guard and his sister can attend a special school in San Francisco, he has to leave his friends behind. But it’s worth it, right? If his sister, Natalie, can get help, maybe his family will finally be normal.
But on Alcatraz his dad is so busy, he’s never around. His mom’s preoccupation with Natalie’s condition (today, it would be called autism) is even worse now that there’s no extended family to help. And of course, there’s never enough money.
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.
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"A great story set on Alcatraz island during the time Al Capone was imprisoned there. Moose, the main character, just moved with his family to Alcatraz as his dad takes on a job there. Moose quickly gets to know who really rules the island, and that it can be pretty complicated to stay out of trouble. When you are new, life is never easy. Things become even more complicated when your sister has special needs, when your dad's job gets jeopardized if you make a wrong move,... while all you really want is finding friends. (Thanks for recommending this great book to me, Rosie. I should have read it a long time ago when you mentioned it first.)"
— Tanja (4 out of 5 stars)
Choldenko's pacing is exquisite. . . . [A] great read.
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review" I truly enjoyed reading every bit of this book. I was sad when it was over because I was left wondering what happened next. I would use this is my classroom because even though it is set in a time in the past, it is full of dialogue and topics interesting to children of elementary age. "
— Kristin, 2/18/2014" Great book that deals with exceptionalities and family struggles. However, it is historical and ties in a great story line to a historical place that children will love. I would definitely recommend this book for students at the high elementary level. "
— Elizabeth, 2/14/2014" I absolutely loved this book. I can somewhat relate to Moose because I had to move far away, from the rest of my family, friends and sports teams, when I was little. I cannot relate to having a sibling with a disability but I would love to work with children like that and want my masters in disabilities. This book was somewhat sad to me. I hate to see Moose left out because of how his parents are so busy with work or his sisters needs. I think this book would be a great read for older students or maybe even students who deal with the same things at home. "
— Morgan, 2/10/2014" This month's book for book group. I liked it. It's interesting to see how families handled children with mental illnesses back in the 1930s. "
— Jennifer, 2/6/2014" I have a fascination with Alcatraz and I found this book delightful. It was very entertaining and kept my attention all the way through. Loved it. "
— Daryl, 1/25/2014" Great story, but I not very historically accurate in terms of language, etc. which I found really annoying. "
— Sarah, 1/23/2014" cute book. i felt for Moose and wanted to strangle his mother. also makes me wonder. if vaccines are causing autism and they weren't being widely used in 1935, where exactly did the correlation come from? "
— Ceej, 1/11/2014" This book was ok.... I didn't like it very much. "
— Alison, 1/2/2014" It was good. I Liked it. "
— Nola, 9/6/2013" Very good book, takes you inside the lives of people who worked and lived on Alcatraz island! "
— Tanya, 9/4/2013" Fantastic! Great story for kids - 11 - 13 "
— Becca, 8/14/2013" wow wow wow such a good book "
— Farha, 7/29/2013" Very well done and entertaining; the happy ending seemed a little contrived, but understandable in a book aimed at young people. I found it interesting that the families found it safe there, and not intimidating. "
— Arlene, 7/27/2013" Thought Piper got off way too lightly but in general I enjoyed the book. Nicely written story and I absolutely loved the ending! "
— Kerry, 5/29/2013" This is a fun, unique story that combines the mystique of Alcatraz island with a family's struggle to cope with a world not equipped to help a child with Autism. Well written and an enjoyable summer read. "
— Julie, 3/7/2013" It was a very good book. ALthough it was sad about Natalie, It was AMAZING! "
— Bristen, 5/26/2012" not bad at all, kids adventure is always fun "
— Bayu, 3/11/2012" This was pretty good juvenile fiction...it would be great for a boy who may not think he likes to read. Moose is a really good guy who tries hard to do the right thing, but sometimes messes up, just like all boys. Fun Fact: I had no idea that the prison guards AND their families lived on Alcatraz! "
— Angie, 2/20/2012" Good way to discuss Alcatraz and San Francisco area in the 1930s. Also loved Natalie's character. Would've liked to know a little more about her relationship with inmate 105. Was a bit confused by that. "
— Samantha, 2/18/2012" This is one of my favorite books. I look forward to reading the sequel as soon as possible. "
— Liv, 2/14/2012" Good book, great for an elementary student. "
— Myranda, 1/29/2012" An absolutely brilliant story combining several interesting topics: Al Capone, Alcatraz, and autism. The story was very well written and the characters are realistic, enjoyable and memorable. "
— Molly, 10/28/2011" Even though it is intended for an elementary school age group, it is still a great story about the power of family and love. I really enjoyed the unique setting for the time period, and the tie in to and fascination with Al Capone. A quick read that most anyone would enjoy. "
— Kylie, 8/10/2011" Amazing story!!! I thought that it was interesting that a lot of it was factual. "
— Ian, 8/5/2011" very cute story but the parents were so frustrating I wanted to throw the book. "
— Trisha, 5/19/2011" A very enjoyable story. I felt like I was a young boy again. Sometimes I had to remind myself how naive a boy can be when he's twelve. The perspective he gives is true to that age, more so than my memory allows. "
— Mike, 5/19/2011" Al Capone Does my Shoes is good. It was entertaining. Living on Alcatraz while it was up and running would be a little disturbing for me, but Moose pulled through and helped his little sister Natalie. A happy ending for a book with plenty of ups and downs. "
— Mary, 5/18/2011" I was reading it before Em did and I liked it...good read for kids "
— Elizabeth, 5/16/2011" Fabulous, perfect for a 10-14 yr old boy. Very entertaining. "
— Noellebastian, 5/11/2011" I really enjoyed this Young Adult book! I read it because we will be taking our g.son to CA and be visiting Alcatraz in June and a teacher friend recommended we read this book. I'm glad I did as I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. "
— Karen, 5/6/2011" Genre: Chapter Book/Non Fiction <br/> <br/>I liked this book, especially at the end where moose finds a enormous note that just said "done" "
— Jennifer, 5/3/2011" This is a short, funny piece of juvenile literature. I'm not sure I would give it any awards, but I enjoyed reading it. "
— Jessica, 5/3/2011" Excellent! Easy reading - I am going to try more by this author. "
— Danielle, 5/2/2011" Interesting story and even more so if you have had the chance to tour Alcatraz. "
— Janine, 4/28/2011" It was cute, I enjoyed it. It wasn't something I'd normally read, but I had to read it for a school assignment and I liked it more than some of the other books I had to read. "
— Stevie, 4/28/2011" This was a super fast read. It's a fun story and I really enjoyed it. "
— Kristi, 4/25/2011Gennifer Choldenko is an author and illustrator. She is the author of several children’s books, including Notes from a Liar and Her Dog, named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and Al Capone Throws Me a Curve, named a Newbery Honor book. She received a BA degree from Brandeis University, graduating cum laude with honors, and a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She was the youngest in a family of four kids, and her quirky sense of humor made its debut at the dinner table when she was very young.
Kirby Heyborne is a musician, actor, and professional narrator. Noted for his work in teen and juvenile audio, he has garnered over twenty Earphones Awards. His audiobook credits include Jesse Kellerman’s The Genius, Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother, and George R. R. Martin’s Selections from Dreamsongs.