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Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko
Series: Tales from Alcatraz
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Al Capone Does My Shirts is a historical fiction novel infused with mystery, set on the infamous Alcatraz Island. The story follows a boy whose family moves to the island, not as prisoners, but because his father works as a prison guard. Surrounded by notorious criminals—the worst of the worst—he navigates the challenges of life on Alcatraz while uncovering the true nature of the island and its inhabitants. The novel vividly portrays life in a unique and harsh environment from a child's perspective.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3500

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This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This engaging and atmospheric story is ideal for children and young teens interested in historical settings, mysteries, and character-driven narratives. It will appeal especially to readers who enjoy adventurous and heartwarming tales with a blend of humour and thought-provoking themes.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Set in 1935, when guards actually lived on Alcatraz Island with their families, Choldenko's second novel brings humor to the complexities of family dynamics.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller that is historical fiction with a hint of mystery about living at Alcatraz not as a prisoner, but as a kid meeting some of the most famous criminals in our history. Al Capone Does My Shirts has become an instant classic for all kids to read!

Today I moved to Alcatraz, a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water. I'm not the only kid who lives here. There are twenty-three other kids who live on the island because their dads work as guards or cooks or doctors or electricians for the prison, like my dad does. And then there are a ton of murderers, rapists, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two, though I doubt it. The convicts we have are the kind other prisons don't want. I never knew prisons could be picky, but I guess they can. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to.

A Newbery Honor Book

A New York Times Bestseller

A People magazine "Best kid's Book"

An ALA Book for Young Adults

An ALA Notable Book

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Krikus Reviews Editor's Choice

A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book

A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" Selection

A New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age

*"Choldenko's pacing is exquisite. . . . [A] great read." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"Exceptionally atmospheric, fast-paced and memorable!" —Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"The story, told with humour and skill, will fascinate readers." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Al is the perfect novel for a young guy or moll who digs books by Gordon Korman, or Louis Sachar." —Time Out New York for Kids

"Funny situations and plot twists abound!" —People magazine

"Heartstopping in some places, heartrending in others, and most of all, it is heartwarming." —San Francisco Chronicle

Series: Tales from Alcatraz

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  • Al Capone Does My Shirts
    Al Capone Does My Shirts
    The Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller that is historical fiction with a hint of mystery about living at Alcatraz not as a prisoner, but as a kid meeting some of the most famous criminals in our history. Al Capone Does My Shirts has become an instant classic for all kids to read! Today I moved to Alcatraz,...
    By Gennifer Choldenko
    Paperback
    $3500
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780142403709

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 April 2006

Country: United States

Imprint: Penguin USA

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 204g

Pages: 288

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Gennifer Choldenko Penguin Books Series: Tales from Alcatraz Young Adult

About the Author

Gennifer Choldenko is the New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor Award-winning author of ten children's books, including Notes From a Liar and Her Dog, If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period, No Passengers Beyond this Point, Al Capone Does My Shirts, Al Capone Shines My Shoes, and Al Capone Does My Homework. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Also by Gennifer Choldenko

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    From beloved authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, Mouse and His Dog is an uplifting story and a page-turning adventure. Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown them. Buster is a big-hearted dog who couldn't attract more trouble if he tried. Stewie is a huge, lovable dog whose ex-owner said...
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    From beloved authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, Dogtown is an uplifting story and a page-turning adventure. Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs, whose owners have outgrown them. Chance, a real dog, has been in Dogtown since his owners unwittingly left him with irresponsible dog-sitters who skipped town. Metal Head is a robot...
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