Reviews

Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko

kbernie's review against another edition

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5.0

I have really enjoyed the Al Capone series so far. It’s a great historical fiction book and the author really does her homework (pun intended) about that era and the specific cons of Alcatraz at that time. I also like how she focuses on Moose’s relationship with his sister and the struggle of being “in charge” of Natalie.

librariandest's review against another edition

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3.0

The third (and probably final) book about Moose Flanagan is solid middle grade historical fiction. Moose and his Alcatraz community of guards, families, and convicts are still compelling--when you share an island with America's most famous criminals, there's bound to be some drama! In this book, we see Moose's dad has been promoted to Associate Warden. There's a mysterious fire. Moose tries to be everything to everyone (a character trait that was less and less endearing to me as the book progressed), including his friends Annie and Piper (the other two points of a mild tween love triangle) and his big sister Natalie (who most likely has undiagnosed autism), and of course his dad who is now a target because he's a warden. The bad guys, Mr. and Mrs. Trixle, were one-dimensional, that dimensional being terrible. I had more sympathy for the cons.

I enjoyed this book and would gladly recommend this series to pretty much any middle grade reader. I was expecting a bit more of a wow factor that I didn't get, but I'm not complaining. I hope Ms. Choldenko has lots more books left to write. She's good at it.

greenvillemelissa's review against another edition

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5.0

Book #76 Read in 2013
Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko (YA)

This is the third book of this series. Moose lives on Alcatraz Island, where his father is a prison guard. In this book, Moose's father is promoted to Assistant Warden and that brings some danger as the cons would like to hurt a prison boss. As if that is not enough stress, the family's apartment catches on fire and neighbors are blaming Natalie, Moose's special need sister, for it. Can Moose figure out who really set the fire?

I have enjoyed all three books in this series. The books are well-written and the characters are interesting and well-developed. The books have elements of mystery, humor, history and romance. I recommend this series.

http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com

tinahaynie's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

caitiep92's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced

4.25

compass_rose's review against another edition

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3.0

My least favorite of the three so far, but likeable. My 9yo loves these books. They are really great for a better understanding of autism (granted Natalie's story isn't every autism story, but it's well-developed and deep). But, I should also say, I don't feel this series is great for an understanding of the Great Depression, despite it's setting in 1935-6.

Read again with Dad, January 2020

afro8921's review against another edition

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4.0

I immediately fell in love with Moose's character all over again. Ms. Choldenko has turned in another splendid story combining the elements of history, intrigue, and family dynamics effortlessly. In this installment, Moose's world gets even more complicated when his dad becomes assistant warden at Alcatraz. The loyalties of family and friendship are tested repeately in this story. This book would be a great suggestions for tween readers of both genders.

kayleesbookobession's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

wilsonmamaof3's review against another edition

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5.0

this was my favorite one so far!

melissapalmer404's review against another edition

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5.0

Book #76 Read in 2013
Al Capone Does My Homework by Gennifer Choldenko (YA)

This is the third book of this series. Moose lives on Alcatraz Island, where his father is a prison guard. In this book, Moose's father is promoted to Assistant Warden and that brings some danger as the cons would like to hurt a prison boss. As if that is not enough stress, the family's apartment catches on fire and neighbors are blaming Natalie, Moose's special need sister, for it. Can Moose figure out who really set the fire?

I have enjoyed all three books in this series. The books are well-written and the characters are interesting and well-developed. The books have elements of mystery, humor, history and romance. I recommend this series.

http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com