#1 in Tales from Alcatraz Series
Al Capone Does My Shirts
on Goodreads (44,949)
What’s inside...
A 12-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935, when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do Moose's responsibilities for his sister Natalie impact his relationships with others on Alcatraz?
What do you think about the setting of Alcatraz in the 1930s? How does it influence the characters and the story?
Why do you think Moose is so determined to help Natalie attend a specific school?
How do the different characters in the book deal with the challenges they face? Which strategies would you use in a similar situation?
What can we learn about friendship and trust from Moose's interactions with Piper and other characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they felt about the book and its characters. This helps in understanding their initial perceptions and insights.
Encourage empathy by discussing Moose's feelings and responsibilities towards his sister. Ask your child how they would handle similar responsibilities.
Link discussions to real-life examples, such as dealing with difficult situations, making friends, and understanding family dynamics.
Explore the historical and geographical setting of Alcatraz. This opens up pathways to discuss history, geography, and societal norms during the 1930s.
Focus on character development throughout the book to help your child analyze behavior and motivations, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist Moose navigates the complexities of his sister's disability, learning to understand and empathize with her challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and struggles of others, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Moose takes on significant responsibilities at a young age, handling his sister's care and managing difficult situations effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of stepping up and taking responsibility in their own lives, whether it's in their chores, schoolwork, or in caring for others.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Living on Alcatraz Island, Moose learns to adapt to an unconventional environment and the unique community around him.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to new environments or changes in life, helping them to overcome challenges and thrive in various situations.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Moose faces moral dilemmas and learns the importance of doing what's right, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to uphold their values and make ethical decisions, promoting strong character development.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The character displays courage in confronting bullies and challenging authority when necessary to protect his family and friends.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to stand up for themselves and others, facing their fears and advocating for what they believe is right.