Al Capone Does My Shirts

Thursday, March 28, 1935

The next two months are dismal for Moose and his friends: “On Alcatraz there’s nothing to do, no one to do it with and nothing to look forward to either” (125). Piper has been banished to her grandmother’s for getting in trouble and “mostly [Moose is] glad she’s gone. It makes everything easier” (125).

The doldrums break for Moose in March, when Piper returns exactly the same as ever: “It’s like the last two months haven’t happened for her. Her head is full of just as many schemes as it was before” (127).

Apparently, Piper has been reading the inmates’ mail, and has learned that Al Capone’s mom is coming to visit Alcatraz and she knows the exact date and time she will be on the boat. Because it’s just a simple boat ride, there is really no way for the kids to get in trouble. Piper doesn’t think bringing Natalie along is a good idea, but Moose tells her Natalie is none of her business. 

Sunday, March 31, 1935

The only kids on the boat are Jimmy, Piper, and Moose. Just before they reach the dock at San Francisco, they hear a sound and turn around to see Theresa with her new baby brother Rocky, wrapped in a blanket.