57 pages • 1 hour read
Al Capone Shines My Shoes
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Book Brief
274
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
2009
Middle grade
10-14 years
620L
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
9,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
9,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
274
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
2009
Middle grade
10-14 years
620L
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