Tools for this page
Print

Al Capone Does My Shirts

(2005, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Gennifer Choldenko)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    What was the Newbery Committee thinking?

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Piper deliberately breaks rules with no thought of the consequences: Moose reluctantly goes along.
  • Violence & scariness:

    A fatal beating with a bat is referred to.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Al Capone Does My Shirts

Parents need to know that the publisher's Web site lists this as for ages 8 to adult, but the strong sexual subtext makes this more appropriate for older kids.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about autism and the prison system.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Al Capone Does My Shirts?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 38 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Great illustrations

    GOOD BOOK 4 THE FRIST TIME...DUH :)

    i lyk becuz it tells hoe we as teens see or do things we do today...

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A Great Book!! :)

    This book is a good way to understand the difficulties of autism and as a 11 year old I loved it so much I just had to get the next book.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 1.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    You have to realize thats its fiction, but also that these kind of things really did happen.

    This Book, I think, appeals to Boys more than girls. I could actually picture things in some parts of the book. All in all, the best book I have ever read.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    perfect for kids 10+

    it refers to a beating with a bat-violence. piper delibritly breaks the rules moose follows-bad messages and bad role models. it does teach the difficultys of autism

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name