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evamadera1's review against another edition
2.5
Choldenko did not do anything explicitly wrong in this book but she did include a few things in the narrative that rubbed e the wrong way. A side character made a few sexist comments which, while unfortunately typical of the time period never got pushed back upon. In fact, the main character turned to this character for "romantic" advice. I also felt uncomfortable with the portrayal of autism and the ways to "treat" it. I will not continue the series.
sidneyellwood's review
5.0
[review written 2011]
I read the prequel to Al Capone Shines My Shoes last time I visited Alcatraz, which was two years ago. But I found the sequel in my school library, and of course had to read it. This book was really good. As I said, I can’t compare it to the previous installment in the series, but it was still fantastic as a stand-alone book.
Piper did seem a little bit bipolar in the book, though, and there were so many characters I got confused. But that might just be me. All in all, it was a fabulous read, quick as well, and I recommend it to any history-lovers. Capone does make more than one appearance in this book so if you’re interested in that…
I read the prequel to Al Capone Shines My Shoes last time I visited Alcatraz, which was two years ago. But I found the sequel in my school library, and of course had to read it. This book was really good. As I said, I can’t compare it to the previous installment in the series, but it was still fantastic as a stand-alone book.
Piper did seem a little bit bipolar in the book, though, and there were so many characters I got confused. But that might just be me. All in all, it was a fabulous read, quick as well, and I recommend it to any history-lovers. Capone does make more than one appearance in this book so if you’re interested in that…
jeneca's review
5.0
I'm loving these books. If the characters finally start to bother me, I know I'm in. Piper doesn't make me near as angry as she seems to bother everyone else. It's the incompetency in their relation ships as well as the amount of living that gets me.... I have adored the books so dark I can't wait to get ahold of the next one.
I really enjoy the role that Al Capone actually plays in these books, there, but not there, yet stringing the whole thing together.
I really enjoy the role that Al Capone actually plays in these books, there, but not there, yet stringing the whole thing together.
megtk_01's review
4.0
Check out more of my reviews! http://lovingliteraturemrsking.blogspot.com/
How does living on Alcatraz with Al Capone and 277 of America’s worst criminals sound to you? That’s where Moose Flanagan lives with his family, along with the other guards and their families. In Gennifer Choldenko’s second novel about Moose, Al Capone Shine My Shoes, our main character is in a real fix. In the first novel, Moose asked for help getting his sister Natalie into a special school. Al has done that, and now it’s Moose’s turn to pay up.
Choldenko connects the events from Al Capone Does My Shirts seamlessly, without a “last time on Alcatraz…” feeling. While Moose is dealing with this big favor that Al Capone wants from him, he’s also dealing with friends. Everyone likes Moose—right? Not always. Right now, it seems like everyone is upset with him. When his older sister Natalie comes home for a visit, everything becomes even more complicated. Lots of adventures ensue as Moose tries to do the right thing and still keep everyone happy. He’ll learn, though, that trying to make everyone happy doesn’t always work.
I like the pressure that Choldenko puts Moose under. It makes him uncomfortable as he struggles to be a good person and to deal with the false ideas other have of him. He is a good kid, but finds himself in predicaments with his friends on a regular basis. Most of the problems he finds himself in revolve around Al Capone and the fascination they all seem to have with the charismatic prisoner who sends messages to Moose through the laundry.
Weaving historical facts with her own imagination, Choldenko has created a believable space for the Alcatraz kids to grow up in. She has created characters to live in the real life Alcatraz and woven in real life characters with whom they interact. One of the most interesting things is the author’s note in which she describes the facts surrounding Alcatraz and how she used them. We’re given glimpses into some of her interviews with people who really did live on Alcatraz with their families. She also points out to us the events she has created that are fictional, but also explains where she pulled the ideas from. This is a glimpse into her craft that I enjoyed and made the story even more enjoyable.
Even if you aren’t a huge historical fiction fan, you’ll enjoy the shenanigans of the Alcatraz kids. Their characters are believable and, although set in 1935, highly relatable by both boys and girls. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is a fun read that should not be missed!
How does living on Alcatraz with Al Capone and 277 of America’s worst criminals sound to you? That’s where Moose Flanagan lives with his family, along with the other guards and their families. In Gennifer Choldenko’s second novel about Moose, Al Capone Shine My Shoes, our main character is in a real fix. In the first novel, Moose asked for help getting his sister Natalie into a special school. Al has done that, and now it’s Moose’s turn to pay up.
Choldenko connects the events from Al Capone Does My Shirts seamlessly, without a “last time on Alcatraz…” feeling. While Moose is dealing with this big favor that Al Capone wants from him, he’s also dealing with friends. Everyone likes Moose—right? Not always. Right now, it seems like everyone is upset with him. When his older sister Natalie comes home for a visit, everything becomes even more complicated. Lots of adventures ensue as Moose tries to do the right thing and still keep everyone happy. He’ll learn, though, that trying to make everyone happy doesn’t always work.
I like the pressure that Choldenko puts Moose under. It makes him uncomfortable as he struggles to be a good person and to deal with the false ideas other have of him. He is a good kid, but finds himself in predicaments with his friends on a regular basis. Most of the problems he finds himself in revolve around Al Capone and the fascination they all seem to have with the charismatic prisoner who sends messages to Moose through the laundry.
Weaving historical facts with her own imagination, Choldenko has created a believable space for the Alcatraz kids to grow up in. She has created characters to live in the real life Alcatraz and woven in real life characters with whom they interact. One of the most interesting things is the author’s note in which she describes the facts surrounding Alcatraz and how she used them. We’re given glimpses into some of her interviews with people who really did live on Alcatraz with their families. She also points out to us the events she has created that are fictional, but also explains where she pulled the ideas from. This is a glimpse into her craft that I enjoyed and made the story even more enjoyable.
Even if you aren’t a huge historical fiction fan, you’ll enjoy the shenanigans of the Alcatraz kids. Their characters are believable and, although set in 1935, highly relatable by both boys and girls. Al Capone Shines My Shoes is a fun read that should not be missed!
dogtrax's review
4.0
Another solid and interesting story ... looking forward now to the next one ...
booksnorkel's review
5.0
I really appreciate how strong these books are. And the topics it touches on. The characters are complex and flawed and have real issues. Would it have been gut wrenching more true to life if one of the characters who went to the hospital died? Oh absolutely. But... this is still a book for 5 on up so perhaps that would have been too real.
Great series can't wait to read the next one
Great series can't wait to read the next one