Al Capone Does My Shirts (Al Capone at Alcatraz #1)

Reader reviewed by Sosha

This story is so humorous I laughed out loud several times at the characters blunt comments and at all the trouble Moose seemed to get himself into. Although the plot deals with the difficult topic of Natalies disability, there is a great deal of compassion in the characters and humor in the other sections, allowing the book to remain light hearted. The portrayal of Natalie is also quite accurate for a person suffering from autism.

Reader reviewed by Carter

This is an all around ok book. The plot and idea behind it are great but the author did not capitalize on the storys potential. If you like stories about loveable losers, distorted history, or prison this book is perfect for you. Not my favorite but definately glad to have it under my reading belt.

Reader reviewed by bad dogg

this is a great family book for kids of all ages this book could be a insoeration to all kids in america. they could also have a good laugh about the cearecters...

Reader reviewed by Cheryl

This is a piece of historical fiction that is definately worth reading. It describes the life of the Malone family who move to the infamous Alcatraz prison. The family consists of a Dad, Mom, Moose (nicknamed because the size of his body and heart), and Natalie (who has some sort of autism and has, according to mom, been perpetually 9 for many years). The move serves 2 primary purposes: Dad got a job as a prison guard there, and, more importantly, Natalie can hopefully be admitted to a special school that Mom hopes will make her better. Unfortunately, neither of these purposes are particularly beneficial to Moose.

Moose is reminded daily of the lore of Alcatraz's famous inmates by his classmates back on the mainland and by the warden's mischevious daughter on the lonely rock. Eventually, Natalie's problems intensify and force Moose to seek help from the most unlikely source.

This story is told in a charming, funny, yet sensitive way. History is seamlessly integrated with the fictional story which makes for a fun and informative read.

I would caution readers that the pace of this book slows WAY down in the middle of the book for about 3-4 chapters. However, if you can get through those chapters, the ending is extremely satisfying.

This is a good read for 10 and up.

Reader reviewed by Bookworm9

Twelve-year-old Moose and his family have a new address-- Alcatrez. After moving to the same island as the famous prison after his dad is hired as a guard there, Moose is sure his life is going to be boring. But his conniving neighbor, Piper, draws him into her crazy schemes, which include charging their schoolmates to have their laundry done by Al Capone, Alcatrez's most famous inmate. (It's 1935.)

But Moose has bigger problems than Piper, such as his sister Natalie, whose autism is destroying the family, particularly their mom, whose overprotectiveness of her daughter and her insistance that someday Natalie will be "cured" is ruining her ability to have a relationship with Moose. One of the reasons for the move to Alcatrez is so Natalie can attend a special school nearby-- but the fact that Natalie is fifteen (even though her mother claims she's ten) is ruining her chances to get accepted. It may take a favor from a higher authority-- like Al Capone.

This is a great book about the relationship between siblings, and what it was like growing up with a "special" child.