Al Capone Does My Shirts
📘 About This Book
The Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller that is historical fiction with a hint of mystery about living at Alcatraz not as a prisoner, but as a kid meeting some of the most famous criminals in our history. Al Capone Does My Shirts has become an instant classic for all kids to read! Today I moved to Alcatraz, a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water. I'm not the only kid who lives here. There are twenty-three other kids who live on the island because their dads work as guards or cooks or doctors or electricians for the prison, like my dad does. And then there are a ton of murderers, rapists, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two, though I doubt it. The convicts we have are the kind other prisons don't want. I never knew prisons could be picky, but I guess they can. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to. A Newbery Honor Book A New York Times Bestseller A People magazine "Best kid's Book" An ALA Book for Young Adults An ALA Notable Book A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Krikus Reviews Editor's Choice A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" Selection A New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age *"Choldenko's pacing is exquisite. . . . [A] great read."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review *"Exceptionally atmospheric, fast-paced and memorable!"—Publishers Weekly, starred review *"The story, told with humor and skill, will fascinate readers."—School Library Journal, starred review "Al is the perfect novel for a young guy or moll who digs books by Gordon Korman, or Louis Sachar."—Time Out New York for Kids "Funny situations and plot twists abound!"—People magazine "Heartstopping in some places, heartrending in others, and most of all, it is heartwarming."—San Francisco Chronicle
📖 Summary
Gennifer Choldenko's acclaimed historical fiction novel Al Capone Does My Shirts transports readers back to the 1930s, offering a uniquely fascinating perspective on one of America's most infamous locations. The story centers on a young boy whose family relocates to Alcatraz Island because his father secures a job working at the federal prison as a guard, electrician, cook, or doctor. Rather than being confined to a cell, the protagonist finds himself living on a twelve-acre rock covered in cement and surrounded by treacherous waters, sharing the island with twenty-three other children whose parents also work for the maximum-security institution. While the setting is undeniably grim and filled with some of history's most notorious criminals—ranging from murderers and rapists to con men, kidnappers, and embezzlers—the book grounds its narrative in the everyday domestic realities of a unique childhood community. The protagonist navigates the bizarre daily routine of living alongside dangerous felons, pondering whether any innocent men might be mixed in among the convicts, though he deeply doubts it. This Newbery Honor Book and New York Times bestseller expertly balances historical accuracy with a hint of mystery and genuine coming-of-age challenges. As the protagonist adjusts to his unusual new home, readers are treated to a rich depiction of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the resilience of youth in extraordinary circumstances. The narrative captures the tension of residing next door to notorious figures like Al Capone while dealing with ordinary adolescent struggles. Through engaging prose and an unforgettable setting, the novel explores how children can find normalcy, friendship, and adventure even when their backyard is home to the nation's most feared lawbreakers. It stands as an instant classic of juvenile fiction, inviting readers of all ages to explore a hidden chapter of American history through the eyes of someone who lived it.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Fascinating and unique historical setting that captivates young readers.
Engaging blend of historical fiction and a hint of mystery.
Relatable protagonist navigating unusual adolescent challenges.
Well-paced narrative with rich, original storytelling.
⚠️ Cons
The dark subject matter of the prison setting may require maturity.
Some readers might want even more focus on the historical criminals.
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Al Capone Does My Shirts? +
The book was written by Gennifer Choldenko.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2006.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book contains 290 pages.
What major awards has the book won? +
It is recognized as a Newbery Honor Book and a New York Times Bestseller.
What is the primary setting of the story? +
The story is set on Alcatraz Island, where the protagonist lives with other children of prison staff.
