Al Capone Does My Shirts

A Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller that transforms American history into an unforgettable adventure. Gennifer Choldenko’s beloved novel invites young readers to experience life on Alcatraz Island—not as a prisoner, but as a kid whose laundry might just get done by Al Capone himself.

When twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan moves to Alcatraz in 1935, his world turns upside down. His father works as a guard at the most notorious prison in America, home to the country’s most dangerous criminals. But Moose’s biggest challenge isn’t living among gangsters—it’s navigating seventh grade, making new friends, and helping his family care for his sister Natalie, who has autism, during a time when the world barely understood it.

What makes this story shine is Choldenko’s perfect balance of humor and heart. The premise is deliciously unique: imagine telling your classmates that Al Capone does your laundry. But beneath the clever premise lies a deeply moving story about family, responsibility, and growing up when life doesn’t follow the script you imagined.

Kirkus Reviews calls Choldenko’s pacing “exquisite,” while Publishers Weekly praises it as “exceptionally atmospheric, fast-paced and memorable.” The San Francisco Chronicle sums it up perfectly: “Heartstopping in some places, heartrending in others, and most of all, heartwarming.”

Perfect for readers who love historical fiction with mystery, humor, and genuine emotional depth. This instant classic belongs on every young reader’s shelf—and makes for wonderful family read-aloud time on foggy coastal evenings.

Additional information