In the book Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko, the main character Moose Flanagan, his sister Natalie, and his parents move to Alcatraz. Throughout the book, Moose helps to take care of autistic Natalie and tries to stay out of trouble with the Warden. Yet this becomes increasingly difficult as he reluctantly partakes in the schemes that Piper, the Warden’s daughter, instigates. When Natalie is not accepted into a school that would help her integrate into society, Moose realizes that he has to take drastic measures to help her. Al Capone Does My Shirts is a good book with a well-paced and interesting plot. The characters are full-bodied and you can connect with them emotionally, especially Moose, Natalie, and their mom. This book is well researched and historically accurate. The chapters are short, which keeps the book clear and concise. Al Capone Does My Shirts illustrates the problems that families of severely autistic people had in trying to obtain intervention and help during the 1930s. Overall, this book is an accessible way to learn about California history and the problems autistic people faced, as well as a way to enjoy a good story. I would recommend this book for fifth through seventh graders, or for people who appreciate short and compelling books. The book has a satisfying ending, as Moose reconciles with having made a deal with the devil to help Natalie: “You believed in your heart it was the right thing to do. You were doing what you thought would help your sister” (Choldenko 197).
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