Al Capone Does My Shirts facts for kids
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| Author | Gennifer Choldenko |
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| Country | America |
| Language | English |
| Series | A's literature |
| Set in | Alcatraz Island, near San Francisco in 1935 |
| Published | Puffin; Reprint edition (April 20, 2006) |
| Pages | 225 |
| Awards | Newbery Honor selection, California Young Reader Medal in 2007 |
| Followed by | Al Capone Shines My Shoes Al Capone Does My Homework Al Capone Throws Me A Curve |
Al Capone Does My Shirts is an exciting historical fiction novel for young readers. It was written by Gennifer Choldenko. The story is about a boy named Moose Flanagan. He and his family move to Alcatraz Island in 1935.
Moose's dad gets a new job on the island. He works as an electrician and a guard at the famous Alcatraz prison. The book won a Newbery Honor award. It also received the California Young Reader Medal in 2007. This book is the first in a series. Its sequels are Al Capone Shines My Shoes, Al Capone Does My Homework, and Al Capone Throws Me a Curve.
Contents
What is Al Capone Does My Shirts About?
Moose's New Life on Alcatraz
When Moose moves to Alcatraz, he meets Piper. She is the warden's daughter. Piper often gets into trouble. She tries to find ways to make money. She wants to leave Alcatraz. Piper convinces Moose to join her plans. One idea is to have some of the people on the island do laundry for the school kids.
This laundry plan does not work out. The warden finds out about it. Moose and the other kids get into trouble. They have to find new ways to spend their time. Moose tries to find a baseball. He hopes to play games with the other kids. He looks near the recreation center where some of the island's residents spend time.
Natalie's School and a Big Risk
Moose's older sister is named Natalie. She starts to spend time with a person named Onion. Onion is trusted and can move around freely. He knows Moose is looking for a baseball. Onion gives him one. Moose is worried about Natalie being friends with Onion. But he hopes Natalie will get into the Marinoff School.
However, the school rejects Natalie. Moose and his family are very sad. Moose feels desperate to help his sister. He decides to take a big chance. With Piper's help, he writes a letter. The letter is for Al Capone. Capone is a well-known person who works in the laundry on Alcatraz.
A Surprising Outcome
Moose's letter asks Al Capone for help. He hopes Capone can use his influence. Moose wants Capone to help Natalie get back into school. Just a few days later, something amazing happens. Natalie is accepted into a new part of the Esther P. Marinoff School. This new branch is for older students.
The next day, Moose finds a note. It is hidden in the sleeve of his shirt. The note has one word: "done." This word is underlined. It suggests that his risky letter worked.
Other Stories in the Series
Al Capone Does My Shirts is the first book. There are three more books in the series.
- Al Capone Shines My Shoes (2011)
- Al Capone Does My Homework (2014)
- Al Capone Throws Me a Curve (2018)
The author is also working on a new book for the series.
Awards for the Book
Al Capone Does My Shirts has won several awards.
Stage Performances
The book has been turned into a play.
- In 2011, The Children's Theatre of Western Springs performed the play.
- In 2019, the San Francisco Youth Theatre performed it. This show was at the Mission Cultural Center.
