Most of the inappropriate stuff is so subtle that some kids won't even catch it.
Al Capone Does My Shirts
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
What was the Newbery Committee thinking?
Why We Rated This
for Ages 11–14
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Al Capone Does My Shirts was written by Matt Berman
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.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about autism and the prison system.
More on Al Capone Does My Shirts
Book Summary
Natalie lasts 36 hours at the school before they kick her out, so Moose is saddled with taking care of her while his parents work. Moose is a good, responsible brother, but the burdens placed on him are sometimes too much to bear, and just trying to keep out of trouble with Piper around is a full-time occupation. Includes labeled photo of Alcatraz Island, and an Author's Note with footnotes.
Is It Any Good?
The ALA's Newbery Committee is often inscrutable at best, but this has to be a new low. The Newbery Honor assures that AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS will be in every children's library, and many classroom reading programs, and the publisher's age recommendation of age 8 and up places it solidly in middle elementary. Yet the strong sexual themes, though stated obliquely, make one wonder what the publishers were thinking.
Aside from inappropriate content, readers may find the book just plain annoying. From the moment Piper is introduced -- pretty but headstrong and devious warden's daughter who acts perfect in front of adults -- any experienced reader will know exactly where this is going, and they'll be right. The only original touch is that she's not the preacher's daughter.
Publisher’s Details
Number of pages: 225, Price: $15.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 11+, Read Alone: 11+
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
I think it's ok.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- 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...
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- 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.
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I rate this title off for age 8 and give it- My concerns are:
- Negative role models
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- 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.

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