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laurenkraigco's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
protoman21's review
4.0
What a treat it is to return to Alcatraz! I find the cast of characters to be well rounded and engaging and the stories have a hint of excitement that keeps things fresh due to the cons roaming about. It was tough seeing Moose's friends all upset with him, but he kept true to himself and that's what makes him such a compelling character.
book_concierge's review
3.0
Digital audiobook narrated Kirby Heyborne.
Book two in this entertaining middle-school series, set on Alcatraz Island during the Great Depression. Moose Flanagan’s dad is a guard at the maximum security prison, and the family lives in the apartments provided for workers and their families. His sister, Natalie, has a condition that is apparently autism (though that diagnosis wasn’t used in this time frame, so it is never identified as such), and attends a special boarding school. But she comes home for a visit during a school holiday and that coincides with some major events on the island.
I was completely charmed by the first book, and certainly interested in this second outing. The relationships between the kids seem real to me. Moose is unfailingly “nice” to everyone, and so is liked by both kids and adults. He’s passionate about baseball, and has a huge crush on the warden’s daughter, Piper. His gang of friends includes Jimmy, who is terrible at sports but fascinated by insects, Annie, who can throw better than most boys, and Theresa, a wise-beyond-her-years 7-year old who is Jimmy’s little sister.
Moose deals with many of the things most 12-year-olds have to face, including bullying, peer pressure, and adults who don’t understand him. But he’s also burdened by a unique relationship with one particular inmate: Al Capone.
Kirby Heyborne does a find job narrating the audiobook. He’s a little less successful trying to voice the various female characters, though he does a reasonably good job with Natalie and Theresa.
Book two in this entertaining middle-school series, set on Alcatraz Island during the Great Depression. Moose Flanagan’s dad is a guard at the maximum security prison, and the family lives in the apartments provided for workers and their families. His sister, Natalie, has a condition that is apparently autism (though that diagnosis wasn’t used in this time frame, so it is never identified as such), and attends a special boarding school. But she comes home for a visit during a school holiday and that coincides with some major events on the island.
I was completely charmed by the first book, and certainly interested in this second outing. The relationships between the kids seem real to me. Moose is unfailingly “nice” to everyone, and so is liked by both kids and adults. He’s passionate about baseball, and has a huge crush on the warden’s daughter, Piper. His gang of friends includes Jimmy, who is terrible at sports but fascinated by insects, Annie, who can throw better than most boys, and Theresa, a wise-beyond-her-years 7-year old who is Jimmy’s little sister.
Moose deals with many of the things most 12-year-olds have to face, including bullying, peer pressure, and adults who don’t understand him. But he’s also burdened by a unique relationship with one particular inmate: Al Capone.
Kirby Heyborne does a find job narrating the audiobook. He’s a little less successful trying to voice the various female characters, though he does a reasonably good job with Natalie and Theresa.
cami19's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
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.