Discover books similar to "Al Capone Does My Shirts"

Gennifer Choldenko

Al Capone Does My Shirts

3.84

"Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko is a compelling and engaging middle-grade historical novel that offers a unique perspective on life during the Great Depression. The story is set in 1935 on Alcatraz Island, where 12-year-old Moose Flanagan has just moved with his family so his father can work as a guard at the famous prison. Moose is struggling to adjust to his new life, which includes dealing with the challenges of being the new kid at school, missing his friends back home, and taking care of his autistic sister, Natalie. But when Moose discovers that Al Capone, one of the most notorious gangsters of all time, is doing Natalie's laundry, he sees an opportunity to use this connection to help his sister and improve their family's situation. Choldenko skillfully weaves historical facts about Alcatraz and the famous inmates who lived there into the story, providing an interesting and informative backdrop for Moose's personal struggles. The author also explores themes of family, friendship, and acceptance, as Moose learns to navigate the complexities of his new environment and form relationships with the other kids on the island. The novel is well-written, with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that bring the characters and setting to life. Moose is a likable and relatable protagonist, and the supporting characters are well-developed and memorable. The author does an excellent job of capturing the challenges and uncertainties of growing up, as well as the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles of living with a disability. Overall, "Al Capone Does My Shirts" is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to both young readers and adults. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on a fascinating historical period, while also exploring universal themes of family, friendship, and personal growth. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and character-driven novels.

List of books similar to "Al Capone Does My Shirts":

Katherine Paterson

Bridge To Terabithia

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a strong friendship between two young protagonists. The book follows Jess, a fifth-grader, and Leslie, a new girl in town, as they create a magical kingdom in the woods. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the themes of friendship and imagination in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Kristin Levine

The Lions of Little Rock

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', is set in the past and deals with the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment. The Lions of Little Rock takes place in the 1950s in the South, where a young girl, Marlee, befriends a black classmate at a time when integration is just beginning. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the historical setting and coming-of-age themes in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Gary D. Schmidt

The Wednesday Wars

This Newbery Honor book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a strong-willed protagonist dealing with family and school issues. Set in the 1960s, the book follows Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader who is the only student in his class not attending Hebrew school on Wednesday afternoons. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the humor, heart, and historical setting of 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Kate DiCamillo

Because of Winn-Dixie

This Newbery Honor book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a young protagonist dealing with family and personal issues. The book follows Opal, a 10-year-old girl who moves to a small town in Florida with her father and befriends a stray dog, Winn-Dixie. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the heartwarming and uplifting themes in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a strong sense of family and the challenges of growing up. The Penderwicks is a series of four books that follow the adventures of four sisters and their father as they spend their summer vacation in the countryside. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the family dynamics and coming-of-age themes in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Mildred D. Taylor

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', is set in the past and deals with the challenges of growing up in a difficult environment. The book follows Cassie, a young African-American girl living in the South during the Great Depression, as she deals with racism and injustice. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the historical setting and coming-of-age themes in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Lois Lowry

The Giver

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a young protagonist dealing with a unique and challenging environment. The Giver is a dystopian novel set in a society where all memories of pain and pleasure have been erased. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the thought-provoking themes and strong protagonist in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a group of characters trying to solve a mystery. The Westing Game is a puzzle mystery about a group of people who are brought together to solve the death of an eccentric millionaire. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the mystery and intrigue in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a unique protagonist and a strong sense of empathy. The One and Only Ivan is a novel told from the perspective of Ivan, a gorilla living in a shopping mall, as he longs for freedom. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the themes of empathy and resilience in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Jacqueline Kelly

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a young protagonist with a strong interest in science. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate follows Callie, a young girl growing up in Texas in the late 1800s, as she discovers her love for natural science. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the themes of discovery and self-identity in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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Susan Patron

The Higher Power of Lucky

This book, like 'Al Capone Does My Shirts', features a young protagonist dealing with family and personal issues. The Higher Power of Lucky follows Lucky, a 10-year-old girl living in a small desert town, as she deals with the loss of her mother and the challenges of growing up. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed the themes of resilience and self-discovery in 'Al Capone Does My Shirts'.

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