Al Capone Does My Shirts

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Moose’s sister Natalie has always come first.  This time it means uprooting the family and moving to Alcatraz, where Moose’s father works on the island as an electrician and guard for hardened criminals, just so Natalie can go to a special school.  But just as Moose is settling in and making friends, he finds himself in a prison of his mother’s making.  When things don’t go well for Natalie at school Moose’s mother is determined to get her help, but it means appointing Moose as her caretaker every day.  It’s quite a burden for a 12 year old, especially with a sister like Natalie.

Set in the 1930s Al Capone Does My Shirts takes us back to a time when autism wasn’t even a diagnosis.  Children who showed the symptoms Natalie displays were sometimes sent to live in institutions by families who had little support.  We clearly see Moose’s mother cracking under the pressure of having child with autism, although I have to say I find myself horrified by what she does to her family in trying to help Natalie.

Despite the subject matter this is no maudlin family saga.  It’s sweet, awkward and at times (like when the warden’s daughter is hatching another crazy scheme) funny.

Age Recommendation: This would be appropriate for readers in Grades 5 and up.  We did hold it in my K-4 elementary school’s library and I do think some fourth graders who are strong readers, particularly those with either historical background in the era or personal experience with people with autism might enjoy it as well.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – Moose’s voice is changing.  He’s asked if he “likes” a girl.  Theresa’s mother is expecting a baby and Theresa says she has to stay sitting because otherwise the baby might slide out and hit it’s head.  But only if the umbilical cord is too long and the  mother too short.  Her brother tells her to shut up about mom’s private parts.  Mrs. Caconi has bosoms that are like two jiggling watermelons. A woman is strip searched down to her corset.  When a friend changes the time of a baseball game so Moose can play, Moose says “if you were a girl I’d give you a big sloppy kiss.” During a fit, Natalie strips naked.  Another time she fans herself with her skirt which shows her underwear.  Because they live on Alcatraz there are rules about female modesty, girls can’t wear bathing suits or anything else immodest.  They can’t send their underwear through the laundry.  There also some talk (which becomes relevant) about what might happen if a girl were to be alone with a con, because some of them haven’t seen a woman in 10-15 years and “you know what that means.”  Girls talk about if another girl is pregnant and if she knows about the birds and the bees.
Profanity – “darn”, “double swear to God,” “crapper,”
Death, Violence and Gore – As the much of the story takes place on Alcatraz the kids are full of stories about Alcatraz’s famous inmates.  They mention living on an island with murderers, rapists, burglars and kidnappers.  The kids talk about going to the morgue.  A story about Al Capone beating people to death with a baseball bat is shared.  Kids at school are fascinated by stories of Alcatraz and ask if Moose’s dad comes home with blood on his hands.  The other kids want to discuss execution methods (particularly the electric chair and firing squad).  The Alcatraz kids make up a story about a shiv attack.  Moose’s mother shoves his father.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Dad drinks a beer and pours some for Moose.  Moose says he’s had sips before.
Frightening or Intense Things – Again, you’re on an island with prisoners what do you expect? Also, Natalie’s tantrums might be hard to understand for some.