93 pages • 3 hours read
Al Capone Does My Shirts
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
Middle grade
10-14 years
600L
Super Short Summary
In Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, Moose Flanagan's family moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 due to his father's job at the prison, aiming to afford better care for Moose’s sister Natalie, who is on the autism spectrum. Though Moose initially dislikes the move, he becomes involved in a scheme led by Piper, the warden's daughter, and works to help Natalie get into a special school, encountering various challenges and growth along the way.
Bittersweet
Challenging
Nostalgic
Emotional
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
47,123 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko offers a unique blend of historical fiction and coming-of-age narrative set in 1930s Alcatraz. Readers appreciate its rich historical context and engaging storyline. However, some find the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it balances humor and serious themes adeptly, making it suitable for younger audiences.
Who Should Read Al Capone Does My Shirts?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mix of humor and family dynamics will appreciate Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. Fans of books like Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis or Holes by Louis Sachar will find its unique setting during the 1930s on Alcatraz Island intriguing and its heartwarming story engaging.
47,123 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Natalie Flanagan
Natalie Flanagan
Moose's intellectually disabled sister who has unique interests, such as buttons and rocks, and grows throughout the story.
Helen Flanagan
Helen Flanagan
Moose's mother, whose primary focus is on her daughter Natalie, sometimes leading to tension with Moose.
Cam Flanagan
Cam Flanagan
Moose's father, a hard-working man who tries to balance supporting his wife and seeing Moose's perspective.
Piper Williams
Piper Williams
The Warden's mischievous daughter, known for her scheming and influence due to her father's position.
288
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
Middle grade
10-14 years
600L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.