Book Reviews
These are reviews provided by myself or by students about books we have read. These are suggested books. I would love to have this page filled with student reviews! Please have your student e-mail their 1 paragraph review to me at [email protected] It must contain the name of the book, the author, a short plot summary without revealing any of the resolutions, and persuasive statements about why people should read this book.
Alcapone Does My Shirts
I just finished reading this excellent book, and thought I would share with y’all.
Al Capone Does My Shirts isn’t an extraordinary piece of literature by any stretch of the imagination. Don’t get me wrong, it’s well written. It’s just not ever going to be one of those classics that get placed on the top 100 reads of all times lists.
There’s a couple of cute story lines. Kid moves to a new place, and has to make new friends. Kid living on Alcatraz Island right next door to the convicts. You know, the usual stuff you would expect.
What moved me was the story line about Moose’s sister, Natalie. Natalie is “weird”. Kids typically avoid her. Adults speak about her under their breathe and behind closed doors, but no one ever says anything directly about her – except Piper the warden’s bossy daughter. Natalie seems to get stuck in her own world of numbers. She counts everything and can calculate anything. When things around her change she gets upset – very upset. When she can sit with her box of buttons she is happiest. Most people say that she should be locked up, but her mother wants her to grow up and have a family. Her mother will do anything to give Natalie the best odds at a life including miscalculating Natalie’s age every year. The perspective of the parents and of Moose is just eye-opening. Parents who want the best for their children despite the odds being against them. A sibling who is younger who has to act older to protect his sister even though it derails his plans.
Would I suggest this book to students? Absolutely! It’s a wonderful story that they will truly enjoy. They will also get a glimpse into a bit of history. It has such a wonderful story of compassion and perseverance. I would say it’s a must read.
Al Capone Does My Shirts isn’t an extraordinary piece of literature by any stretch of the imagination. Don’t get me wrong, it’s well written. It’s just not ever going to be one of those classics that get placed on the top 100 reads of all times lists.
There’s a couple of cute story lines. Kid moves to a new place, and has to make new friends. Kid living on Alcatraz Island right next door to the convicts. You know, the usual stuff you would expect.
What moved me was the story line about Moose’s sister, Natalie. Natalie is “weird”. Kids typically avoid her. Adults speak about her under their breathe and behind closed doors, but no one ever says anything directly about her – except Piper the warden’s bossy daughter. Natalie seems to get stuck in her own world of numbers. She counts everything and can calculate anything. When things around her change she gets upset – very upset. When she can sit with her box of buttons she is happiest. Most people say that she should be locked up, but her mother wants her to grow up and have a family. Her mother will do anything to give Natalie the best odds at a life including miscalculating Natalie’s age every year. The perspective of the parents and of Moose is just eye-opening. Parents who want the best for their children despite the odds being against them. A sibling who is younger who has to act older to protect his sister even though it derails his plans.
Would I suggest this book to students? Absolutely! It’s a wonderful story that they will truly enjoy. They will also get a glimpse into a bit of history. It has such a wonderful story of compassion and perseverance. I would say it’s a must read.