Capone Does My Shirts: A Review of Tales from Alcatraz

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an intriguing and captivating novel that brings to life the stories of prisoners living on The Rock in San Francisco Bay. Written by Gennifer Choldenko, this book is a great read for young readers aged 8-12 years.

The story revolves around twelve year old Moose Flanagan, whose father has been transferred to work as a guard at Alcatraz prison in 1934. Moose moves with his family to a house on the island and struggles to adjust to his new environment. He also has to deal with the ridicule he receives from other children due to his father’s job.

This story focuses on the lives of the prisoners, their families and how they cope with the harsh reality of life on the island. Through Moose’s eyes we get an insight into the challenges faced by these people which provides us with an understanding of how life was like during that time period. We also get an understanding of the kindness and compassion that exists between Moose and some of the inmates, as Moose helps them in various ways such as doing their laundry for them.

Overall, Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an amazing story about friendship, family and courage in difficult times that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It’s a must-read for any young reader! In the next part of our review we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the features this book offers.

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) Review

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Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an exciting and riveting novel by author Gennifer Choldenko. It follows the story of a young boy, Moose Flanagan, whose family moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when his father takes a job as a prison guard. As Moose struggles with the challenges of living on the island, he also discovers secrets about his family and himself that will shape him for the rest of his life.

Key Features:

1. An inspiring story of resilience and courage.

2. A unique tale set in the 1930s about living on Alcatraz Island.

3. Fun illustrations depicting Moose’s daily life in Alcatraz.

4. Real-life characters from history make appearances throughout the book.

5. A New York Times bestseller.

This fascinating tale follows Moose Flanagan as he navigates his new home on Alcatraz Island, which is unlike anything else he has ever experienced before. With its strange inhabitants and fascinating history, Moose soon discovers that there is much more to this place than meets the eye. As Moose learns more about the reality of living on the island, he finds himself drawn into its mysteries and secrets. Through it all, he remains determined to keep his family together despite all odds – even if that means doing some laundry for notorious gangster Al Capone!

Capone Does My Shirts is a wonderful read with heart-warming characters, witty dialogue and plenty of humor along the way. The story is both inspiring and entertaining, making it a great choice for readers of all ages who are looking to explore an unusual setting and uncover some captivating secrets along the way. So grab your copy today and join Moose on his journey through Alcatraz Island!

Product Details

Product Details Description
Title Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)
Author Gennifer Choldenko
Publisher Puffin Books
Publication Date (May 24, 2004)
Pages 224 pages
Format Paperback
Language English
ISBN-10: 0142403709 / ISBN-13: 978-0142403703

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) Pros and Cons

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an intriguing novel for young adults that tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy living on Alcatraz Island in 1935. The book intertwines historical facts with fiction, making it a fascinating and educational read.

This book has been lauded by critics and teachers alike, as they recognize its ability to capture the imagination of young readers. It is perfect for bringing history to life and sparking conversations about important topics. Readers will be enthralled by the incredible moments of suspense and the unique setting that makes this story so captivating.

Pros:
1. Historical accuracy – The author does an excellent job of accurately portraying life on Alcatraz during this time period.
2. Suspenseful plot – This novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns.
3. Unique setting – The story takes place on Alcatraz Island, which adds a unique flavor to the narrative.
4. Educational – This book is not only entertaining, but also provides insight into American history in the 1930s.

Cons:
1. Short length – Some readers may find this book too short, as it ends rather quickly after setting up all of its interesting characters and Plotlines.
2. Difficulty level – This book may be challenging for younger readers due to its dense historical content and vocabulary words used throughout the text.
3. Lack of diversity – There are few characters of color in this novel, which may leave some readers feeling excluded or unrepresented.

Overall, Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an enjoyable read that is sure to captivate young minds and inspire meaningful conversations about American history and culture during this era!

Who are They for

The Newbery Honor-winning Capone Does My Shirts is a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and the unique challenges of growing up on Alcatraz Island. This beloved novel by Gennifer Choldenko follows 12-year-old Moose and his family as they adjust to life on the infamous island in 1934.

Moose’s father is a guard at Alcatraz, which means that he and his sister Natalie get to live there rent free. But it also means that Moose can’t have any friends over to visit or even attend the local school. His only companion is the strange new kid named Piper, who has an unusual way of looking at the world. As Moose struggles to make sense of his strange new home, he discovers unexpected joys in unexpected places.

Capone Does My Shirts is full of humor and heartbreak as it brings alive the day-to-day lives of those who lived on Alcatraz during its years as a federal prison. With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, Choldenko has created an unforgettable story about the power of family ties, even under difficult circumstances. It is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages!

My Experience for Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)

Lloyd Kaufman

My parents told me that I wouldn’t have to wear a dress shirt to school anymore. That’s because my family has moved from the city to Alcatraz Island, and now I have to go to school with all the children of the inmates! So instead of wearing a dress shirt, I’m now rocking Capone Does My Shirts. It’s the perfect mix of being fashionable and practical for this unique island lifestyle.

It was a bit strange at first, but it didn’t take me long to get used to the idea. Plus, it’s pretty awesome that I can wear these shirts anywhere around the island and not worry about what other people think. They’re comfortable and they look great too!

The best part is that there are so many different designs available in Capone Does My Shirts! From sports teams to cartoon characters, there’s something for everyone. No matter what kind of style you’re looking for, you can find it at Capone Does My Shirts.

I also love how durable these shirts are. They’ve been through a lot with me – swimming in the bay, running around with my friends on the island – and they still look brand new! Plus, they come in all sorts of sizes so I don’t have to worry about them fitting me just right.

Capone Does My Shirts is truly an amazing product and I’m glad I got it. Now, I can show off my style while living on this special island with my friends and family.

 

What I don’t Like

1.Not suitable for younger readers: Many of the themes discussed in “Capone Does My Shirts” are not suitable for children under the age of 8.

2.Characters may seem one-dimensional: Some readers may find that the characters in the book lack depth and complexity.

3.Slow pacing: The story progresses slowly, which could be a turn-off for some readers.

4.Lack of suspense: The plot does not have any surprises or cliffhangers, which could leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.

5.Limited scope: The book is set in a very specific time and place, so it may not appeal to all readers.

How to Create a Fun and Memorable Family Vacation Around Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)

Have you ever wanted to take your family on a unique, educational, and fun vacation? If so, Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz), written by Gennifer Choldenko, is the perfect source of inspiration. This Newberry Honor Book tells the story of twelve-year-old Moose’s family as they move to Alcatraz Island during the 1930s.

This book can help you create an unforgettable family vacation. Once you finish reading it, consider taking your family on a trip to San Francisco, California. Here are some ideas for what you can do:

  • Visit Alcatraz Island: Your kids will love visiting the famous prison island that is featured in the book. They can learn all about its history and explore the grounds.
  • Take a Ferry Ride: Hop on a ferry and enjoy beautiful views of San Francisco Bay while learning more about this incredible city.
  • Explore Fisherman’s Wharf: Teach your children about San Francisco’s maritime history as you take them around this iconic neighborhood.
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay: This aquarium offers up close encounters with sea lions, sharks, and other marine life that inhabit San Francisco Bay.
  • Check out the Museums: Don’t miss out on all of the museums available in San Francisco – from art galleries to science centers, there’s something for everyone!

You and your family can create lasting memories by taking a trip inspired by Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz). Whether you want to explore Alcatraz Island or check out one of San Francisco’s many museums, there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Questions about Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)

 

What is Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)?

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is an award-winning children’s novel written by Gennifer Choldenko. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy, Moose Flanagan, and his family as they move to San Francisco’s famous prison island, Alcatraz, in 1935. The novel follows Moose’s unique experiences living among notorious criminals like Al Capone, as well as the everyday struggles of growing up.

Who should read Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz)?

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) is suitable for readers aged 8-12. It is perfect for those interested in historical fiction, as well as children who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and learning valuable lessons.

What awards has Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) won?

Capone Does My Shirts (Tales from Alcatraz) has won numerous awards including the 2005 Newbery Honor Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Beehive Book Award. It was also named an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book in 2004 and a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year in 2004.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

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