Common Sense Media Review
Boy stands up for sister with autism in compassionate tale.
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Why Age 11+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 35 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a touching and educational story that effectively represents teenagers with autism, featuring a relatable protagonist and heartfelt themes about family and resilience. Although some mature themes and language appear, many readers appreciate the balance of humor and emotional depth, making it a valuable read for middle school students, particularly in discussing history and social issues.
- education value
- relatable characters
- humor and emotion
- suitable for older kids
- discussions suggested
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Seventh-grader Moose Flanagan has just moved to Alcatraz, where his father is working two jobs to try to enroll Moose's autistic older sister, Natalie, in a special school. Moose desperately wants his family to be "normal," but that's difficult when your older sister acts like a needy preschooler and you live on an island populated with the worst of the worst. His parents are focused on work and Natalie's needs, forcing Moose to fend for himself and his sister. He chafes at his responsibilities and gets caught up in the schemes of the warden's troublemaking daughter, Piper. When he accidentally puts Natalie at risk, however, he finds the courage to help his family come closer together -- and ask Al Capone to help Natalie. Includes labeled photo of Alcatraz Island and an Author's Note with footnotes.
Is It Any Good?
AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS shines when it grapples with Moose's family on Alcatraz. His parents want to do the right thing but repeatedly fail their son. It's easy to empathize with Moose, who both loves and resents his sister and fears upsetting his desperate mother. The historical setting is enticing and a good symbol for Moose's own feelings of entrapment.
Readers may wish that the author spent more ink digging into Natalie's relationship with a convict, or exploring the book's mature themes, such as the good and bad in people, or why gangsters are sometimes seen as heroes. But they'll cheer when Moose finally stands up for himself, his sister, and his family, making his mother realize that the ends don't justify the means. Complex moral issues and some sexual overtones push this book toward an older tween audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about public fascination with bad guys. Al Capone was a notorious gangster, believed to have been behind brutal killings. Why is he such an alluring character to the kids on the island and their classmates? Can you think of any modern day "bad guys" who are equally appealing?
Why do you think Al Capone Does My Shirts won a Newbery Honor? What's special about this book?
How do you think attitudes toward autism and other mental disabilities have changed -- or not changed -- since the time this story takes place?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : February 13, 2005
- Number of pages : 225
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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