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geo_curler's review against another edition
5.0
This was by far the most tense and action packed book in the series. After reading, I feel doubtful that another book will come out, but with all my heart I hope for another one. This is a series that combines both funny and serious elements all in one to create a seemingly flawless mix of the two. I enjoy baseball, but that is not the reason this book was my favorite, it seemed to contain more elements and conflict which made it less predictable than most books which was a twist out of the normality you usually expect in books. Anyone with a brother or sister with autism will completely understand what Moose is feeling, and even those without will feel as Moose does.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I love good historical middle grade series and Choldenko's Al Capone series is excellent. This newest installment is no exception. It's interesting, it's entertaining, it's funny, and it's heartfelt. Moose is an understated but irresistible hero—it's impossible not to root for his success. With a rich setting, a colorful cast, and several intriguing conflicts at its center, this book will appeal to both kids and adults. I highly recommend the whole series to historical fiction lovers of all ages.
fallingletters's review against another edition
4.0
Review originally published 19 June 2018 at Falling Letters. I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
[b: Al Capone Does My Shirts|89716|Al Capone Does My Shirts (Al Capone at Alcatraz, #1)|Gennifer Choldenko|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1309198452s/89716.jpg|2952174] was published in 2004, when I was in middle school. I remember seeing the book on my school library’s shelf. The title intrigued me, but I never picked it up because it wasn’t fantasy. Having just blazed through Al Capone Throws Me a Curve (the fourth book in the series), I realize I missed out by skipping the earlier books. Curve places a caring family in a unique historical setting, creating a story both compelling and meaningful.
What I most enjoyed about this book is the sincerity and believability of the characters. There are no ignorantly dumb adults or stubbornly silly kids for the sake of a plot. Everyone has logical motivation for their actions. Moose in particular makes a likable main character with his dedication to protecting his sister. He doesn’t infantilize her as their mother does, but he understands her and understands that Alcatraz isn’t an appropriate place for her. As an autistic young woman, Natalie gives some weight to the story as her family comes to term with Natalie growing up and having the same wants and behaviour as a neutrotypical woman.
The 1930s setting of Alcatraz brings a lot of fun to the story, even though the setting itself is a serious and dangerous place. Choldenko writes this historical element well, in that the time and place are integral to the story line without being shoehorned in. Even after three previous books, readers will still find this one has a few new areas to explore. A helpful author’s note provides further details on the time, place, and characters in the story.
From what I’ve read online, it seems most people considered this series done at three (the third book was published in 2013). I haven’t read the three books preceding this one. I didn’t feel I was missing out on too much. There are references to previous books that make me curious about their stories, and readers would no doubt connect more with the characters if they had read their previous stories. At least one character who seemed to have a major role in the previous book has no role in this story. Regardless, I was impressed at how well Curve stands on its own. I imagine Alcatraz will still feel exciting to long time readers of the series.
The Bottom Line: Appealing to new and old readers of the series alike, Al Capone Throws Me a Curve shows the creativity and excitement that can be found in historical middle grade fiction.
[b: Al Capone Does My Shirts|89716|Al Capone Does My Shirts (Al Capone at Alcatraz, #1)|Gennifer Choldenko|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1309198452s/89716.jpg|2952174] was published in 2004, when I was in middle school. I remember seeing the book on my school library’s shelf. The title intrigued me, but I never picked it up because it wasn’t fantasy. Having just blazed through Al Capone Throws Me a Curve (the fourth book in the series), I realize I missed out by skipping the earlier books. Curve places a caring family in a unique historical setting, creating a story both compelling and meaningful.
What I most enjoyed about this book is the sincerity and believability of the characters. There are no ignorantly dumb adults or stubbornly silly kids for the sake of a plot. Everyone has logical motivation for their actions. Moose in particular makes a likable main character with his dedication to protecting his sister. He doesn’t infantilize her as their mother does, but he understands her and understands that Alcatraz isn’t an appropriate place for her. As an autistic young woman, Natalie gives some weight to the story as her family comes to term with Natalie growing up and having the same wants and behaviour as a neutrotypical woman.
The 1930s setting of Alcatraz brings a lot of fun to the story, even though the setting itself is a serious and dangerous place. Choldenko writes this historical element well, in that the time and place are integral to the story line without being shoehorned in. Even after three previous books, readers will still find this one has a few new areas to explore. A helpful author’s note provides further details on the time, place, and characters in the story.
“What’s happening up there?” I ask.I haven’t mentioned the baseball component yet. Given the title and description, baseball plays a smaller role than I anticipated (thankfully, I might add…). Moose receives a punishment that prevents him from playing ball for most of the book. Baseball functions as a motivating factor rather than the main action of the book, but I think it would still appeal to baseball fans given that there are a couple games and Moose has baseball on the brain most of the time.
“Every one of them stayed in their cells except Fastball. If he strikes, he won’t get probation.”
“Easy choice”.
She crosses her arms.
“No, it’s not. The other cons will beat him to a bloody nub for not striking. And if he fights back, he’ll get written up for that.”
“That’s not fair!”
“How many times do I have to tell you, Moose – prison is not fair.” (p. 62)
From what I’ve read online, it seems most people considered this series done at three (the third book was published in 2013). I haven’t read the three books preceding this one. I didn’t feel I was missing out on too much. There are references to previous books that make me curious about their stories, and readers would no doubt connect more with the characters if they had read their previous stories. At least one character who seemed to have a major role in the previous book has no role in this story. Regardless, I was impressed at how well Curve stands on its own. I imagine Alcatraz will still feel exciting to long time readers of the series.
The Bottom Line: Appealing to new and old readers of the series alike, Al Capone Throws Me a Curve shows the creativity and excitement that can be found in historical middle grade fiction.
greenvillemelissa's review against another edition
5.0
Book #24 Read in 2018
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
I was excited when offered a review copy of this fourth book in a great middle grade series; I did not even realize a new one was coming out. The author said that this is the book she was meant to write for this series. Will there be more? I am not sure but if not, this book did justice to wrap this series up. In this book, Moose is trying to get on the high school baseball team. Natalie is still a handful. Piper is still his sometimes friend/sometimes foe. But this book has a maturity to it that the others in the series did not have and that works well. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of it from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
I was excited when offered a review copy of this fourth book in a great middle grade series; I did not even realize a new one was coming out. The author said that this is the book she was meant to write for this series. Will there be more? I am not sure but if not, this book did justice to wrap this series up. In this book, Moose is trying to get on the high school baseball team. Natalie is still a handful. Piper is still his sometimes friend/sometimes foe. But this book has a maturity to it that the others in the series did not have and that works well. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of it from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
caitiep92's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
compass_rose's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was my favorite of the four. Though,
Spoiler
the events surrounding the kids handling the gun really made me uncomfortable.kayleesbookobession's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
5.0
Book #24 Read in 2018
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
I was excited when offered a review copy of this fourth book in a great middle grade series; I did not even realize a new one was coming out. The author said that this is the book she was meant to write for this series. Will there be more? I am not sure but if not, this book did justice to wrap this series up. In this book, Moose is trying to get on the high school baseball team. Natalie is still a handful. Piper is still his sometimes friend/sometimes foe. But this book has a maturity to it that the others in the series did not have and that works well. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of it from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
I was excited when offered a review copy of this fourth book in a great middle grade series; I did not even realize a new one was coming out. The author said that this is the book she was meant to write for this series. Will there be more? I am not sure but if not, this book did justice to wrap this series up. In this book, Moose is trying to get on the high school baseball team. Natalie is still a handful. Piper is still his sometimes friend/sometimes foe. But this book has a maturity to it that the others in the series did not have and that works well. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of it from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
mark_sal's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this book. From beginning to end, it was like any other book I’ve read. It also has the best ending of any book I’ve read.