Al Capone Does My Shirts

First thing that came to mind when I read this book–one of the most original ideas I’ve come by. The author, Gennifer Choldenko, did a nice job on this one. Because really, how many books have you read about the adventures of a kid living on Alcatraz? Yes, the Alcatraz. You know, the place where the worst of the worst of the worst go to have fun. In this book you are introduced to Moose, a boy who’s not exactly thrilled to learn that his dad, so desperate for a job during the Depression, is going to become a prison guard. Alcatraz is a far cry from where Moose lived before, but his sister needs to go to a special school nearby, and this is the only way it’s going to happen. So Moose succumbs to his fate. Yet there is more to Alcatraz than meets the eye. Moose didn’t know that he and the prisoners both like to play baseball, and that they even do his laundry. Convict-laundered shirts. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? And the girl Moose meets there, Piper, seems to have a special need to get in as much trouble as possible. It’s one he doesn’t share. Not only is this book unique and nearly unbearable to put down, it actually has quite a few interesting facts in it. Hey, even my mom liked it! So why don’t you give it a try? Then check out the sequel.