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cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the first three discs of this novel and wasn't enjoying it at all; once I picked up a hard copy to finish it, I found that I really enjoyed it. This is a book definitely better READ, and many of you know I am a huge fan of audio books. The story takes place during the 1930s and revolves around a family who moves to Alcatraz so the father can take a job there. They have two children: Moose and Natalie. Natalie has autism, but nothing was known about it at the time, so it was a constant strain on the family to find her help. I loved the relationships between the characters and the descriptions of life on Alcatraz for the many families of employees that lived there during its operation. The author includes a fantastic section at the conclusion of the story with interview highlights, stories about the children who were raised on Alcatraz, etc. This is a great story to introduce young adults to the topic and get them interested in history. Definitely a book for the younger crowd, and a Newbery Honor Book to boot. This would be a good one for a family to read together because the parents could discuss some of the themes with their kids.
eflatkey's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
protoman21's review against another edition
5.0
What an enjoyable book! A historical look back on a world that is foreign to most people, the families that lived on Alcatraz while they still housed inmates there. Of course the heart of the story is the relationship between Moose and his autistic sister. I highly recommend this!
msilkwolfe's review against another edition
This is notoriously taught in fifth grade at my school, so it’s on the agenda for the spring. Had to read it before planning curriculum for it!
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
"Moose" has to grow up fast in Spring 1935. His family has moved to Alcatraz so his dad can get a good job, and his sister, who is autistic, can have a chance at an exclusive school that will help her "be normal." A wonderfully surprising Young Adult book!
alidottie's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this juvenile fiction book. I think it would be great as a springboard for various discussions—childhood mental illness, Alcatraz, Al Capone, etc.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
This was an amazing book. It had moments of humour but also a lot of sad moments.
I absolutely loved Moose, he was a wonderful friend, a great brother and more.
Poor Natalie, autism these days is something that can be helped, it can be lived with, as long as you learn how to handle your autism, how to live with it. Also enough help for the family members, how they can best handle her or help her. And there are enough institutions these days that people can be helped. Sadly in her time (1930s) it wasn't that easy. It was really heartbreaking to see her, her tantrums, how she fought, how she screamed, how she was so much like a child. A few times I cried a bit. So sad. Not only for her, but for her parents, for her brother, for everyone.
I loved the way the whole book took place on Alcatraz. I also loved the map that came with the book.
The only thing I didn't like, was Piper. Piper was like the only character in the whole book that I truly disliked. A person who I just wanted to erase from the book. She had a few good things, but mostly she was just mean, sliming her way through life. Acting mean towards those who are different. I really hope that in the next book she will change a bit.
I absolutely loved Moose, he was a wonderful friend, a great brother and more.
Poor Natalie, autism these days is something that can be helped, it can be lived with, as long as you learn how to handle your autism, how to live with it. Also enough help for the family members, how they can best handle her or help her. And there are enough institutions these days that people can be helped. Sadly in her time (1930s) it wasn't that easy. It was really heartbreaking to see her, her tantrums, how she fought, how she screamed, how she was so much like a child. A few times I cried a bit. So sad. Not only for her, but for her parents, for her brother, for everyone.
I loved the way the whole book took place on Alcatraz. I also loved the map that came with the book.
The only thing I didn't like, was Piper. Piper was like the only character in the whole book that I truly disliked. A person who I just wanted to erase from the book. She had a few good things, but mostly she was just mean, sliming her way through life. Acting mean towards those who are different. I really hope that in the next book she will change a bit.
vegprincess's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed reading this and plan on reading the other two in the series: Al Capone Shines My Shoes and Al Capone does my homework. While this is obviously a work of fiction it is historically accurate. I find Alcatraz intersting and the fact that families lived on the island during the prison's existence absolutely fascinating.
The book's characters are fascinating as well. I loved the interaction between the protagonist, Mathew (a.k.a. Moose) and his sister, Natalie. Natalie is autistic so it was interesting to see how that was handled during 1935, the year in which the book takes place. The Warden's daughter, Piper, is a "little firecracker" and so I found the parts of the story that involved her to be fun.
The book's characters are fascinating as well. I loved the interaction between the protagonist, Mathew (a.k.a. Moose) and his sister, Natalie. Natalie is autistic so it was interesting to see how that was handled during 1935, the year in which the book takes place. The Warden's daughter, Piper, is a "little firecracker" and so I found the parts of the story that involved her to be fun.
thebrainlair's review against another edition
5.0
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (2006)