57 pages 1 hour read

Gennifer Choldenko

Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Gennifer Choldenko’s Al Capone Shines My Shoes, Moose Flanagan, a twelve-year-old living on Alcatraz Island, must repay a favor to the infamous criminal Al Capone, while navigating friendships, family dynamics, and new crushes. Through various challenges, Moose learns important lessons about self-reliance, honesty, and forgiveness.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko excels with its engaging storytelling, well-drawn characters, and historical setting, weaving humor and suspense effectively. However, some readers may find the plot slower in parts and a few historical inaccuracies. Overall, it's a captivating sequel that resonates well with middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Al Capone Shines My Shoes?

Readers who enjoy Gennifer Choldenko's Al Capone Shines My Shoes are likely middle-grade students aged 9-12 who appreciate historical fiction with humor and adventure. Fans of Holes by Louis Sachar and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli will find the mix of real-life history and captivating storytelling appealing.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

620L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Action / Adventure

Children's Literature

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Identity: Disability

Relationships: Siblings

Topics

Disability

History: World