About This Book
Al Capone Does My Shirts introduces readers to Moose Flanagan, a twelve-year-old boy whose family moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 because his father is a prison guard. Moose finds himself in a truly unique setting, surrounded by notorious criminals like Al Capone, while also grappling with the daily challenges of caring for his older sister, Natalie, who has autism. The book beautifully explores themes of family love, responsibility, empathy, and finding your place in an unusual world. It offers a poignant look at sibling relationships and the complexities of neurodivergence within a fascinating historical backdrop.
A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Moose's perspective on Alcatraz change throughout the story? What surprised him most about living there?
2
Discuss the challenges and joys of Moose's relationship with Natalie. How does he show his love and responsibility for her?
3
What does this book teach us about empathy and understanding people who are different, whether it's Natalie or even some of the convicts?
4
If you lived on Alcatraz, what would be the hardest part, and what would be the most interesting part?
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