Al Capone Does My Shirts
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, published by Penguin in April 2006, is a historical fiction novel that presents a unique perspective on life at Alcatraz. The story follows a young boy who moves to the infamous island, where he encounters not only the challenges of adolescence but also the complexities of living among notorious criminals. This edition spans 288 pages and is written in English.
Readers will find a blend of humor and mystery as the protagonist navigates his new environment, filled with both fellow children and infamous convicts. The narrative explores themes of family, social dynamics, and the coming-of-age experience in a setting that is both unusual and compelling. With its focus on historical elements and social themes, this book offers insights into life during the 20th century in the United States, making it a noteworthy addition to juvenile fiction.
Official synopsis Publisher
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
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