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274
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
2009
Middle grade
10-14 years
620L
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
9,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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
Natalie Flanagan
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.
Cam Flanagan
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.
Al Capone
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.
Darby Trixle
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.
Piper Williams
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.
274
Novel • Fiction
Alcatraz Island • 1930s
2009
Middle grade
10-14 years
620L
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