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57 pages 1 hour read

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Gennifer Choldenko

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alcatraz Island • 1930s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

620L

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Super Short Summary

In Gennifer Choldenko’s Al Capone Shines My Shoes, Moose Flanagan, a twelve-year-old living on Alcatraz Island, must repay a favor to the infamous criminal Al Capone, while navigating friendships, family dynamics, and new crushes. Through various challenges, Moose learns important lessons about self-reliance, honesty, and forgiveness.

Humorous

Adventurous

Mysterious

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

9,055 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko excels with its engaging storytelling, well-drawn characters, and historical setting, weaving humor and suspense effectively. However, some readers may find the plot slower in parts and a few historical inaccuracies. Overall, it's a captivating sequel that resonates well with middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Al Capone Shines My Shoes?

Readers who enjoy Gennifer Choldenko's Al Capone Shines My Shoes are likely middle-grade students aged 9-12 who appreciate historical fiction with humor and adventure. Fans of Holes by Louis Sachar and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli will find the mix of real-life history and captivating storytelling appealing.

4.4

9,055 ratings

75%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Moose Flanagan

A quick-witted and resourceful 12-year-old living on Alcatraz Island, who is the protagonist and first-person narrator. He navigates the complexities of life near a maximum-security prison while caring for his neurodivergent sister, Natalie.

Moose's 16-year-old sister, whose extraordinary abilities with numbers and memory help to highlight her intellectual powers. Her neurodivergence poses unique challenges for her and her family on Alcatraz Island.

Moose's compassionate and brave father, who works as a prison guard and electrician at Alcatraz. His teachings emphasize truth and doing the right thing, influencing Moose's moral outlook.

The notorious mobster incarcerated on Alcatraz, who wields influence both inside and outside the prison despite his confinement. Known for his charisma, Capone engages with Moose in subtle ways that affect Moose's life significantly.

An Alcatraz prison guard and the story's main antagonist, known for his harsh, callous demeanor and his animosity toward the Flanagan family. He is intent on enforcing a punitive approach to prisoners and situations on the island.

Darby's daughter and Moose's girlfriend, who struggles with a challenging home life and often acts out. Throughout the story, she confronts her feelings and relationships, impacting those around her.

Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Alcatraz Island • 1930s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

620L

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