“Al Capone Does My Shirts” – A great blend of history and fiction

Al Capone Does My Shirts is a novel by Gennifer Choldenko, published in 2004. The book is a 2005 Newbery Honor Book. Set in 1935, it follows the story of a twelve-year-old boy named Moose Flanagan who moves with his family to Alcatraz Island where his father works as a prison guard. Moose has to navigate life on the island while trying to care for his sister who has autism, deal with the difficult rules of the prison, and make new friends. The story is also centered around the notorious gangster Al Capone, who is an inmate at the prison, and the impact he has on the lives of the Flanagan family and other residents of the island.

Al Capone Does My Shirts is recommended for readers aged 9, 3rd grade and up. The book is considered to be appropriate for middle grade readers and is often used in schools as part of the curriculum for children in this age group. It’s a historical fiction novel with themes of family, friendship, and growing up, making it a suitable and engaging read for kids who are interested in history and enjoy stories about real-life events.

Who would appreciate the book the most?

Al Capone Does My Shirts would likely be enjoyed by:

1. Children and young adults aged 9 and up, who are interested in historical fiction, American history, and the 1930s.
2. Fans of Gennifer Choldenko’s writing or readers who enjoy well-written and emotionally engaging middle-grade fiction.
3. Readers who are interested in the story of Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th century.
4. Teachers and parents who are looking for books to share with their children that blend history and fiction in an entertaining and educational way.

Overall, the book is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that would be enjoyed by a wide range of readers who are looking for an engaging and educational story.

Lexile level

The Lexile level of Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko is estimated to be between 660L and 790L.