Growing Up Alcatraz Style: Al Capone Does My Shirts

While reading Al Capone Does My Shirts, I found myself placing the story in modern times.  Even though I clearly understood that this story was set in the 1930s, something in my mind’s eye kept the story in modern times.  There are certain passages in the story remind me that the year is 1935.  When Moose says, “I am back in the bathroom mixing the tooth powder and water in the palm of my hand” (p. 83), I realize that this is how people brushed their teeth in 1935 or when he asks “They darn socks too?” (p. 34) I was reminded once again that people darned their socks in the early 20^th century.  Why did I want Moose’s story to be set in the present?  Perhaps it is because I have no background of life in San Francisco or Alcatraz during the 1930s.   

Choldenko creates such a realistic plot that is easy to relate the events and characters to the present.  Through Moose’s narration, we find young adolescents who find ways to keep themselves entertained, stand up to the one who leads the group, face conflicts with both their peers and parents, and who are forced to own up to the consequences of their schemes. These are all issues that young adolescents face today. 

The family struggles that ensue in the Flanagan household are also typical.  There are enormous amounts of tension as Moose and his mother are continually at conflicting points of view concerning Natalie.  Moose shows maturity beyond his years as he reveals the depth of love he feels for his sister.  There are often times when Moose slips into more of a parenting role than his own mother. “From the doorway, I see Nat’s soft purple blanket in a tangled heap.  Why didn’t Mom pack it? I feel like marching into my parents’ room and shaking my mom. How could you send her to that place without her blanket?” (p. 31).  Moose’s concern for Natalie’s happiness and well-being is obvious based on his thoughts here.

The difficulties of growing up with a sister who has special needs are addressed in appropriate manners throughout the novel.  Even though the reader does not find out that Natalie has autism until after reading the author’s note, the reader will naturally assume that Natalie has a disability.  Moose’s way of dealing with Natalie is true to most adolescents.  While he loves his sister, there are plenty of moments when he becomes angry with her and says things that he does not mean.  Ultimately it is his love for Natalie that gives him the courage to ask both the Warden and Al Capone for help.

There would be many benefits to using a novel such as this in the classroom.  First, it is a great mentor text for the realistic fiction genre.  Also, the issues that the novel raises are prevalent to the issues that students face today.  The novel also centers on the treatment of someone who has a disability.   I can foresee wonderful discussions, thought-provoking writing responses, and authentic learning taking place by teaching this novel in the middle school classroom.  It could also be used in the social studies classroom.  The author tried remain as historically accurate as possible throughout the novel.  There could be opportunities to further study this time period, the life of notorious criminals, or understand the workings of Alcatraz prison.  Before reading Al Capone Does My Shirts, I would make sure to give the students some background knowledge of San Francisco and Alcatraz during the 1930s.

This is a book that I will definitely be keeping for future use.  I would also highly recommend it to both teachers and young adult readers.              

Choldenko, G. (2004). Al Capone does my shirts. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.